H.R. 3705: Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act

This bill, known as the Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act, aims to improve forecasting of coastal marine fog. The main authority responsible for this initiative will be the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. Here are the key components of the bill:

Project Overview

The Under Secretary will conduct a project focused on enhancing forecasts related to coastal marine fog. The goals of this project include:

Goals of the Project

1. Increasing the number of marine-based observations of fog by utilizing various Federal platforms and commercial resources. This may include:
   • Buoys
   • Weather stations that measure visibility, temperature, dew point, and wind conditions
   • Stationary platforms or drifting devices
   • Vessels
   • Unmanned systems
   • Remote sensing technologies, such as satellite imagery
   • Advanced algorithms for monitoring and detecting fog
2. Enhancing the geographic coverage and accuracy of marine fog modeling, which may involve expanding forecast capabilities in marine channels.
3. Improving how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) communicates warnings about marine fog to the public.
4. Facilitating clear communication regarding the risks associated with hazardous marine fog to help the public make informed decisions.
5. Providing decision support services that deliver actionable information from marine fog advisories.

Stakeholder Engagement

Throughout the implementation of the project, the Under Secretary is required to engage with both public and private stakeholders to involve them in the planning and execution of the initiative.

Tribal Engagement

The Under Secretary must also consult with Indian tribes to ensure their input is considered in the project’s planning and development.

Project Planning and Timeline

Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Under Secretary needs to develop a comprehensive plan that outlines the specific research, development, and technological activities required to meet the project goals, including the necessary resources and timelines for completion.

Relevant Companies

• NOAA - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will be directly involved in the communication and implementation of new fog forecasting technologies.