Bill · S. 1278· Senate(119-S-1278)
Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act
- Introduced
- 4/3/2025
- Last activity
- 10/21/2025 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 197.
- Sponsored by
- Ted Cruz
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
The Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act requires 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 satellite imagery. It also aims to advance the accuracy and coverage of marine fog modeling and improve how advisories are communicated. Additionally, the project intends to provide decision support services based on environmental information. The Under Secretary must engage with public, private, and Indian tribal stakeholders during implementation. Finally, a detailed project plan must be developed within one year of the Act's enactment.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this put more money into scientific research?+5
The bill directs funding toward marine-based observation technology and meteorological modeling research.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+4
The bill specifically requires the Under Secretary to engage with Indian tribes in the planning process.
Would business owners be better off under this?+3
Improved forecasts can reduce economic risks for maritime-based businesses.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Vessel Safety and Reduced Economic Impact: The project's goal is to increase safety for those on the water and lessen the financial consequences caused by marine fog events (Section 2(b)).
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Increased Observations and Better Data: The use of buoys, meteorological stations, vessels, and remote sensing technologies aims to increase the number of marine-based observations in high-impact areas (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Improved Modeling and Accuracy: Advancing the coverage, resolution, and skill of marine fog modeling can improve forecast capabilities (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Better Communication of Risks: The project aims to improve how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration communicates marine fog advisories and risks to the public to maximize informed decision making (Section 2(b)(3) and Section 2(b)(4)).
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Actionable Decision Support: The bill seeks to provide environmental information that serves as actionable decision support for those receiving advisories (Section 2(b)(5)).
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Stakeholder and Tribal Engagement: The requirement to meet with public, private, and Indian tribal stakeholders ensures these groups are involved in the planning and implementation of the project (Section 2(c) and Section 2(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned 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 Native Americans+4Good For Business Owners+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1Increases Federal Power+1
- 10/21/2025
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz without amendment. With written report No. 119-86.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 197.
- 4/30/2025
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 4/3/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California