S-1278 — Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act

YourVoice.Now Summary

Transparency & Accountability

NOAA would add buoys, sensors, and satellite tools to sharpen coastal fog forecasts for boaters and ports.

Transparency & Accountability

Public and tribal consultation — NOAA must meet stakeholders and Indian tribes during planning
Project planning requirement — Plan with activities, resources, and timelines due within one year

The details

NOAA would run a project to improve forecasts of coastal fog. Fog at sea causes collisions, port delays, and costly shipping slowdowns. The project would add more observations where fog does the most damage. That could include buoys, weather stations measuring visibility and wind, drifting instruments, vessels, uncrewed systems, and satellite imagery. The agency would also work to make fog models more accurate and cover more coastline. It would improve how fog advisories reach mariners and the public. NOAA must meet with public and private stakeholders and with Indian tribes while planning the work. A project plan listing activities, resources, and timelines is due within one year. The bill does not set a dollar amount.

Congressional Summary

Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting ActThis bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop and implement a project to improve coastal marine fog modeling and forecasting. The project goal is to enhance vessel safety and reduce the economic impact of coastal marine fog events. Specifically, the project must increase the number of marine-based observations through additional federal platforms and commercially acquired observations in locations where impacts from marine fog have major safety and economic impacts;advance geographic coverage, resolution, skill, and accuracy of marine fog modeling;improve NOAA's communication of marine fog advisories;communicate risks posed by hazardous marine fog events in a way that maximizes informed decision-making by the public; andprovide decision support services based on environmental information that is actionable to the recipient of a marine fog advisory.Within one year following the bill's enactment, NOAA must develop a project plan detailing the specific research, development, technology transfer activities, resources, and timelines necessary to achieve the goal. The bill directs NOAA to meet with Indian tribes and public and private stakeholders regarding planning, development, and implementation of the project.

Legislative Subjects

Atmospheric science and weatherEmergency communications systemsGeography and mappingHydrology and hydrographyMarine and inland water transportationNavigation, waterways, harborsTransportation safety and security

Details

Congress: 119th
Chamber: Senate
Status: summarized
Action: Reported to Senate
Action Date: 2025-10-21
Date Added: 2026-07-25
Source: Congress.gov →

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