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S. 1278: Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act

119th Congress · introduced 2025-04-03 · Transportation and Public Works · Latest: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 197.

federal

What does this mean?

Official title

Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act

Plain summary

Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act This 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; and provide 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.

Congressional Research Service summary (Reported to Senate), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

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PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Reported to Senate)

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Officials and money

Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] · 1 cosponsors

Money: CBO cost estimate: S. 1278, Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act (2025-08-01) No linked contracts or vendors yet.

Words on this page, explained (2)
Bill
A proposed law. It becomes law only if it passes the legislature and is signed by the president or governor (or a veto is overridden).
Resolution
A formal statement or decision by a legislative body. Simple resolutions often only express an opinion or set rules for one chamber; they do not become law.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong119-s1278 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong119 · updated 2026-11-03 by psicol fed-bills