Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act

H.R. 3705 would direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop and implement a project aimed at improving forecasts of coastal marine fog. The bill has passed committee review and is eligible for a floor vote. The project would involve collecting data from commercial sources, meteorological stations, drifting instruments, and satellites to enhance the accuracy of fog predictions along U.S. coasts. The bill also requires NOAA to improve how marine fog advisories are communicated to the public and decision-makers.

The practical impact of this legislation would be to enhance maritime safety and reduce economic disruptions at ports. Over 70 percent of vessel collisions occur during fog conditions, and dense fog can cause significant shipping delays and billions in economic losses. By improving fog forecasting accuracy, ports could reopen sooner after fog events, allowing commerce to resume and reducing the costs of port closures. The bill would involve collaboration with commercial, academic, and tribal partners to ensure forecasting improvements meet real-world needs.