Brian Babin (R-TX)
Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act
A Republican bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 35 - 0.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- 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
- Scored +2
Is this likely to grow the economy?
The bill seeks to reduce the economic impact of coastal marine fog events.
- Scored +2
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill funds technological development for marine observations and modeling.
- Scored +1
Would business owners be better off under this?
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
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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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Improving visibility forecasts can help marine-based commercial operations. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill mandates engagement with Indian tribes during project implementation.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill seeks to reduce the economic impact of coastal marine fog events.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill funds technological development for marine observations and modeling.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill enhances environmental monitoring of marine fog conditions.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill funds research for improving marine fog modeling and observations.
- 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