Open Access Evapotranspiration Data Act

evaporation from soil and other surfaces; and

transpiration from plants.

an institution of higher education;

a State (including a State agency);

an Indian Tribe as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304);

a private sector entity;

a nongovernmental organization; or

any other entity determined to be appropriate by the Secretary.

the lack of consistent and comprehensive water use data; and

the fact that access to existing data is often limited and cost-prohibitive; and

assisting users and decisionmakers to better manage resources and protect financial viability of farm operations during drought;

developing more accurate water budgets and innovative management programs to better promote conservation and sustainability efforts; and

employing greater groundwater management practices and understanding impacts of consumptive water use.

to advance the quantification of evaporation and consumptive water use; and

to provide data users with estimates of evapotranspiration data across large landscapes over certain periods of time, with a priority for Landsat scale (30–100m) when available.

evaluate, use, and modify sources of satellite-based evapotranspiration data, supported by other ET methods, based on best available science and technologies; and

coordinate and consult with—

support the development and maintenance of evapotranspiration data and software systems and associated research and development in a manner that ensures that Program data are reflective of the best available science, including by providing support to Program partners, or coordinating activities with other programs within the Department of the Interior, that have developed and are maintaining evapotranspiration software systems and datasets;

demonstrate or test new and existing evapotranspiration measurement technology;

improve evapotranspiration measurement science and technology; and

develop or refine the application of satellite-based evapotranspiration data available to Federal agencies, States, and Indian Tribes, including programs within both the Water Resources and Core Science Systems divisions of the United States Geological Survey. These may include—

shall incorporate, to the maximum extent practicable, program information and data for purposes of determining consumptive water use on irrigated or other vegetated landscapes for use by water resource management agencies;

may continue to coordinate data analyses, use, and collection efforts with other Federal agencies, States, and Tribal governments through existing coordinating organizations, such as—

may provide information collected and analyzed under the Program to Program partners through appropriate mechanisms, including through agreements with Federal agencies, States (including State agencies), or Indian Tribes, leases, contracts, cooperative agreements, grants, loans, and memoranda of understanding.

enter into cooperative agreements with Program partners to provide for the efficient and cost-effective administration of the Program, including through cost sharing or by providing additional in-kind resources necessary to carry out the Program; and

provide nonreimbursable matching funding, as permissible, for programmatic and operational activities under this section, in consultation with Program partners.