[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 7, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S4807]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CRAIG (for himself, Mr. Bennett and Mr. Bryan):
  S. 1731. A bill to reauthorize and amend the National Geologic 
Mapping Act of 1992, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy 
and Natural Resources.


       The National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1996

 Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, my purpose here today is to 
introduce on behalf of myself and my cosponsors Senators Bryan and 
Bennett, a bill to reauthorize the highly successful National Geologic 
Mapping Act of 1992. The act established a cooperative geologic mapping 
program among the U.S. Geological Survey, State geological surveys, and 
geological programs at institutions of higher education in the United 
States. The goal of this program is to accelerate and improve the 
efficiency of detailed geologic mapping of critical areas in the Nation 
by coordinating and using the combined talents of the three 
participating groups.
  Detailed geologic mapping is an indispensable source of information 
for a broad range of societal activities and benefits, including the 
delineation and protection of sources of safe drinking water; 
assessments of coal, petroleum, natural gas, construction materials, 
metals, and other natural resources; understanding the physical and 
biological interactions that define ecosystems, and that control, and 
are a measure of, environmental health; identification and mitigation 
of natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, 
subsidence, and other ground failures; and many other resource and 
land-use planning requirements.
  Only about 20 percent of the Nation is mapped at a scale adequate to 
meet these critical needs. Additional high-priority areas for detailed 
geologic mapping have been identified at State level by State-map 
advisory committees, and include Federal, State, and local needs and 
priorities.
  Funding for the program is incorporated in the budget of the U.S. 
Geological Survey. State geological surveys and university participants 
receive funding from the program through a competitive proposal process 
that requires 1:1 matching funds from the applicant.
  Mr. President, I urge my colleagues to join me to ensure the 
continued efficient collection and availability of this fundamental 
Earth-science information.

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