[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 12, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S1315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CRAIG (for himself, Mr. Bryan, Mr. Cochran, and Mr. 
        Bennett):
  S. 317. A bill to reauthorize and amend the National Geologic Mapping 
Act of 1992; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


       the national geologic mapping reauthorization act of 1997

 Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I am today introducing on behalf of 
myself and my cosponsors Senators Bryan, Cochran, 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 has been 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. Chair, 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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