Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act
Summary
S. 1278 would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop and implement a project to improve forecasts of coastal marine fog. The bill has passed committee review and is eligible for a floor vote in the Senate. If enacted, it would direct NOAA to collect data from commercial sources, meteorological stations, drifting instruments, and satellites at marine locations affected by fog-related low visibility, and to improve how marine fog advisories are communicated to the public.
The practical impact for citizens would be improved maritime safety and reduced shipping delays at U.S. ports. Dense fog frequently causes vessel collisions, port closures, and costly shipping disruptions. Better fog forecasts would allow ports to reopen sooner and help ships navigate more safely, benefiting consumers through faster delivery of goods and lower shipping costs. The bill would cost an estimated $67 million over five years, with initial development costs of $3 million in 2026 and implementation costs of $19 million in 2027, followed by approximately $16 million in annual operating costs.