Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act

Bill: 119-s-1278
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Introduced: 2025-04-03
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Atmospheric science and weather

Emergency communications systems

Geography and mapping

Hydrology and hydrography

Marine and inland water transportation

Navigation, waterways, harbors

Transportation safety and security
Latest action: action_date: 2025-04-30
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Summaries:

tv_txt: II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1278 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 3, 2025 Mr. Cruz (for himself and Mr. Padilla ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To require the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to conduct a project to improve forecasts of coastal marine fog, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act . 2. Project to improve forecasts of coastal marine fog (a) In general The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere shall conduct a project to improve forecasts of coastal marine fog. (b) Goal The goal of the project required under subsection (a) is to enhance vessel safety and reduce the economic impact of coastal marine fog events, with a focus on— (1) increasing the number of marine-based observations through additional Federal platforms and commercially acquired observations in locations where impacts from marine fog and reduced visibility have major safety and economic impacts, including through the use of— (A) buoys; (B) meteorological stations measuring visibility, temperature, dewpoint, and wind speed and direction as a stand-alone or co-located with water level sensors, such as those that are part of the physical oceanographic observation system program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; (C) stationary platforms or drifting instruments; (D) vessels; (E) unmanned systems; (F) remote sensing technologies, including rapid refresh hyperspectral satellite imagery; and (G) advanced algorithms that extract actionable information from observational data, including early detection and regular monitoring of marine fog; (2) advancing geographic coverage, resolution, skill, and accuracy of marine fog modeling, including, when feasible, additional locations and advancements in marine channel forecast capability; (3) improving communication of marine fog advisories by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; (4) communicating risks posed by hazardous marine fog events in a way that maximizes informed decision making by the public; and (5) providing decision support services based on environmental information that is actionable to the recipient of a marine fog advisory. (c) Stakeholder engagement In implementing the project required under subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall meet with public and private stakeholders regarding the planning, development, and implementation of the project. (d) Tribal engagement The Under Secretary shall meet with Indian tribes (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 )) regarding the planning, development, and implementation of the project required under subsection (a). (e) Project plan Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall develop a plan for the project required under subsection (a) that details the specific research, development, and technology transfer activities, as well as corresponding resources and timelines, necessary to achieve the goal set forth under subsection (b).