Bill · H.R. 3705· House(119-HR-3705)
Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act
- Introduced
- 6/4/2025
- Last activity
- 6/11/2025 — Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 35 - 0.
- Sponsored by
- Brian Babin
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 3
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act," directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to lead a project aimed at improving coastal marine fog forecasts. The project seeks to increase marine-based observations through various tools like buoys, vessels, and satellites. It also aims to improve the modeling, accuracy, and coverage of these fog forecasts. Additionally, the bill focuses on better communicating fog advisories and risks to the public. The Under Secretary is also required to engage with various stakeholders and Indian tribes during the process. Finally, a formal project plan must be developed within one year of the Act's enactment.
Yes· 3 of 6
Is this likely to grow the economy?+2
The bill seeks to reduce the economic impact of coastal marine fog events.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+2
The bill funds technological development for marine observations and modeling.
Would business owners be better off under this?+1
Improving visibility forecasts can help marine-based commercial operations.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Enhanced Safety and Economic Stability: The project aims to increase vessel safety and reduce the economic impact caused by coastal marine fog events (Section 2(b)).
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Improved Observation Capabilities: The bill seeks to increase marine-based observations through the use of buoys, meteorological stations, stationary platforms, drifting instruments, vessels, unmanned systems, and remote sensing technologies (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Better Forecasting Accuracy: The project aims to advance the geographic coverage, resolution, skill, and accuracy of marine fog modeling (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Improved Risk Communication: The bill focuses on improving how marine fog advisories are communicated by NOAA and providing information that helps the public make informed decisions during hazardous events (Section 2(b)(3)-(5)).
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Stakeholder and Tribal Inclusion: The Under Secretary is required to meet with public and private stakeholders, as well as Indian tribes, regarding the planning and implementation of the project (Section 2(c) and 2(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+1Good For Native Americans+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+1
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+1
- 12/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/11/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 35 - 0.
- 6/4/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Donald DavisDemocrat · North Carolina
Zoe LofgrenDemocrat · California
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia