[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 26, 1999)]
[House]
[Pages H10791-H10793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAPPING REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999

  Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 1528) to reauthorize and amend the National Geologic Mapping 
Act of 1992.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 1528

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``National Geologic Mapping 
     Reauthorization Act of 1999''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Section 2(a) of the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 
     (43 U.S.C. 31a(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (10);
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
       ``(8) geologic map information is required for the 
     sustainable and balanced development of natural resources of 
     all types, including energy, minerals, land, water, and 
     biological resources;
       ``(9) advances in digital technology and geographical 
     information system science have made geologic map databases 
     increasingly important as decision support tools for land and 
     resource management; and''; and
       (4) in paragraph (10) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)), 
     by inserting ``of surficial and bedrock deposits'' after 
     ``geologic mapping''.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 3 of the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 (43 
     U.S.C. 31b) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), (6), and (7) as 
     paragraphs (6), (7), (8), and (10), respectively;
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
       ``(4) Education component.--The term `education component' 
     means the education component of the geologic mapping program 
     described in section 6(d)(3).
       ``(5) Federal component.--The term `Federal component' 
     means the Federal component of the geologic mapping program 
     described in section 6(d)(1).''; and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (8) (as redesignated by 
     paragraph (1)) the following:
       ``(9) State component.--The term `State component' means 
     the State component of the geologic mapping program described 
     in section 6(d)(2).''.

     SEC. 4. GEOLOGIC MAPPING PROGRAM.

       Section 4 of the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 (43 
     U.S.C. 31c) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(1)--
       (A) in the first sentence, by striking ``priorities'' and 
     inserting ``national priorities and standards for'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) by striking ``develop a geologic mapping program 
     implementation plan'' and inserting ``develop a 5-year 
     strategic plan for the geologic mapping program''; and
       (ii) by striking ``within 300 days after the date of 
     enactment of the National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization 
     Act of 1997'' and inserting ``not later than 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of the National Geologic Mapping 
     Reauthorization Act of 1999'';
       (C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``within 90 days after 
     the date of enactment of the National Geologic Mapping 
     Reauthorization Act of 1997'' and inserting ``not later than 
     1 year after the date of enactment of the National Geologic 
     Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1999''; and
       (D) in subparagraph (C)--
       (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
     ``within 210 days after the date of enactment of the National 
     Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1997'' and inserting 
     ``not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the 
     National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1999, and 
     biennially thereafter'';
       (ii) in clause (i), by striking ``will coordinate'' and 
     inserting ``are coordinating'';
       (iii) in clause (ii), by striking ``will establish'' and 
     inserting ``establish''; and
       (iv) in clause (iii), by striking ``will lead to'' and 
     inserting ``affect''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
       ``(d) Program Components.--
       ``(1) Federal component.--
       ``(A) In general.--The geologic mapping program shall 
     include a Federal geologic mapping component, the objective 
     of which shall be to determine the geologic framework of 
     areas determined to be vital to the economic, social, 
     environmental, or scientific welfare of the United States.
       ``(B) Mapping priorities.--For the Federal component, 
     mapping priorities--
       ``(i) shall be described in the 5-year plan under section 
     6; and
       ``(ii) shall be based on--

       ``(I) national requirements for geologic map information in 
     areas of multiple-issue need or areas of compelling single-
     issue need; and
       ``(II) national requirements for geologic map information 
     in areas where mapping is required to solve critical earth 
     science problems.

       ``(C) Interdisciplinary studies.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Federal component shall include 
     interdisciplinary studies that add value to geologic mapping.
       ``(ii) Representative categories.--Interdisciplinary 
     studies under clause (i) may include--

       ``(I) establishment of a national geologic map database 
     under section 7;
       ``(II) studies that lead to the implementation of cost-
     effective digital methods for the acquisition, compilation, 
     analysis, cartographic production, and dissemination of 
     geologic map information;
       ``(III) paleontologic, geochrono-logic, and isotopic 
     investigations that provide information critical to 
     understanding the age and history of geologic map units;
       ``(IV) geophysical investigations that assist in 
     delineating and mapping the physical characteristics and 3-
     dimensional distribution of geologic materials and geologic 
     structures; and
       ``(V) geochemical investigations and analytical operations 
     that characterize the composition of geologic map units.

       ``(iii) Use of results.--The results of investigations 
     under clause (ii) shall be contributed to national databases.
       ``(2) State component.--
       ``(A) In general.--The geologic mapping program shall 
     include a State geologic mapping component, the objective of 
     which shall be to establish the geologic framework of areas 
     determined to be vital to the economic, social, 
     environmental, or scientific welfare of individual States.
       ``(B) Mapping priorities.--For the State component, mapping 
     priorities--
       ``(i) shall be determined by State panels representing a 
     broad range of users of geologic maps; and
       ``(ii) shall be based on--

       ``(I) State requirements for geologic map information in 
     areas of multiple-issue need or areas of compelling single-
     issue need; and
       ``(II) State requirements for geologic map information in 
     areas where mapping is required to solve critical earth 
     science problems.

       ``(C) Integration of federal and state priorities.--A 
     national panel including representatives of the Survey shall 
     integrate the State mapping priorities under this paragraph 
     with the Federal mapping priorities under paragraph (1).
       ``(D) Use of funds.--The Survey and recipients of grants 
     under the State component shall not use more than 15.25 
     percent of the Federal funds made available under the State 
     component for any fiscal year to pay indirect, servicing, or 
     program management charges.
       ``(E) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of 
     activities under the State component for any fiscal year 
     shall not exceed 50 percent.
       ``(3) Education component.--
       ``(A) In general.--The geologic mapping program shall 
     include a geologic mapping education component for the 
     training of geologic mappers, the objectives of which shall 
     be--
       ``(i) to provide for broad education in geologic mapping 
     and field analysis through support of field studies; and
       ``(ii) to develop academic programs that teach students of 
     earth science the fundamental principles of geologic mapping 
     and field analysis.
       ``(B) Investigations.--The education component may include 
     the conduct of investigations, which--
       ``(i) shall be integrated with the Federal component and 
     the State component; and
       ``(ii) shall respond to mapping priorities identified for 
     the Federal component and the State component.
       ``(C) Use of funds.--The Survey and recipients of grants 
     under the education component shall not use more than 15.25 
     percent of the Federal funds made available under

[[Page H10792]]

     the education component for any fiscal year to pay indirect, 
     servicing, or program management charges.
       ``(D) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of 
     activities under the education component for any fiscal year 
     shall not exceed 50 percent.''.

     SEC. 5. ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

       Section 5 of the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 (43 
     U.S.C. 31d) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``90 days after the 
     date of enactment of the National Geologic Mapping 
     Reauthorization Act of 1997'' and inserting ``1 year after 
     the date of enactment of the National Geologic Mapping 
     Reauthorization Act of 1999''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``critique the draft 
     implementation plan'' and inserting ``update the 5-year 
     plan''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``this Act'' and 
     inserting ``sections 4 through 7''.

     SEC. 6. GEOLOGIC MAPPING PROGRAM 5-YEAR PLAN.

       The National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 is amended by 
     striking section 6 (43 U.S.C. 31e) and inserting the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 6. GEOLOGIC MAPPING PROGRAM 5-YEAR PLAN.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Director, shall, with the advice and review of the advisory 
     committee, prepare a 5-year plan for the geologic mapping 
     program.
       ``(b) Requirements.--The 5-year plan shall identify--
       ``(1) overall priorities for the geologic mapping program; 
     and
       ``(2) implementation of the overall management structure 
     and operation of the geologic mapping program, including--
       ``(A) the role of the Survey in the capacity of overall 
     management lead, including the responsibility for developing 
     the national geologic mapping program that meets Federal 
     needs while fostering State needs;
       ``(B) the responsibilities of the State geological surveys, 
     with emphasis on mechanisms that incorporate the needs, 
     missions, capabilities, and requirements of the State 
     geological surveys, into the nationwide geologic mapping 
     program;
       ``(C) mechanisms for identifying short- and long-term 
     priorities for each component of the geologic mapping 
     program, including--
       ``(i) for the Federal component, a priority-setting 
     mechanism that responds to--

       ``(I) Federal mission requirements for geologic map 
     information;
       ``(II) critical scientific problems that require geologic 
     maps for their resolution; and
       ``(III) shared Federal and State needs for geologic maps, 
     in which joint Federal-State geologic mapping projects are in 
     the national interest;

       ``(ii) for the State component, a priority-setting 
     mechanism that responds to--

       ``(I) specific intrastate needs for geologic map 
     information; and
       ``(II) interstate needs shared by adjacent States that have 
     common requirements; and

       ``(iii) for the education component, a priority-setting 
     mechanism that responds to requirements for geologic map 
     information that are dictated by Federal and State mission 
     requirements;
       ``(D) a mechanism for adopting scientific and technical 
     mapping standards for preparing and publishing general- and 
     special-purpose geologic maps to--
       ``(i) ensure uniformity of cartographic and scientific 
     conventions; and
       ``(ii) provide a basis for assessing the comparability and 
     quality of map products; and
       ``(E) a mechanism for monitoring the inventory of published 
     and current mapping investigations nationwide to facilitate 
     planning and information exchange and to avoid redundancy.''.

     SEC. 7. NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAP DATABASE.

       Section 7 of the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 (43 
     U.S.C. 31f) is amended by striking the section heading and 
     all that follows through subsection (a) and inserting the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 7. NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAP DATABASE.

       ``(a) Establishment.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Survey shall establish a national 
     geologic map database.
       ``(2) Function.--The database shall serve as a national 
     catalog and archive, distributed through links to Federal and 
     State geologic map holdings, that includes--
       ``(A) all maps developed under the Federal component and 
     the education component;
       ``(B) the databases developed in connection with 
     investigations under subclauses (III), (IV), and (V) of 
     section 4(d)(1)(C)(ii); and
       ``(C) other maps and data that the Survey and the 
     Association consider appropriate.''.

     SEC. 8. BIENNIAL REPORT.

       The National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 is amended by 
     striking section 8 (43 U.S.C. 31g) and inserting the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 8. BIENNIAL REPORT.

       ``Not later 3 years after the date of enactment of the 
     National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1999 and 
     biennially thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and 
     the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a 
     report that--
       ``(1) describes the status of the national geologic mapping 
     program;
       ``(2) describes and evaluates the progress achieved during 
     the preceding 2 years in developing the national geologic map 
     database; and
       ``(3) includes any recommendations that the Secretary may 
     have for legislative or other action to achieve the purposes 
     of sections 4 through 7.''.

     SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       The National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 is amended by 
     striking section 9 (43 U.S.C. 31h) and inserting the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     to carry out this Act--
       ``(1) $28,000,000 for fiscal year 1999;
       ``(2) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2000;
       ``(3) $37,000,000 for fiscal year 2001;
       ``(4) $43,000,000 for fiscal year 2002;
       ``(5) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2003;
       ``(6) $57,000,000 for fiscal year 2004; and
       ``(7) $64,000,000 for fiscal year 2005.
       ``(b) Allocation of Appropriations.--Of any amounts 
     appropriated for any fiscal year in excess of the amount 
     appropriated for fiscal year 2000--
       ``(1) 48 percent shall be available for the State 
     component; and
       ``(2) 2 percent shall be available for the education 
     component.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Wyoming (Mrs. Cubin) and the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Underwood) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Mrs. Cubin).


                             General Leave

  Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on H.R. 1528.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Wyoming?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1528, a bill to 
reauthorize and amend the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992. That 
law established a cooperative program between the United States 
Geologic Survey, the various State geologic surveys, and academia to 
prioritize geologic mapping needs for the Nation, and to ensure that a 
small cadre of trained mappers continues to flow from our universities.
  This bill represents the second authorization, the second 
reauthorization of the initial program, which was enacted by the 102nd 
Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, just in the last few months we have witnessed 
earthquakes in Turkey, Greece, and Taiwan, with devastating loss of 
life and quality of life. The planet we live on is a dynamic one. 
Having modern geologic maps of our country is a foundation of good 
Earth science application to natural hazards identification and 
abatement, as well as for broad planning efforts for resources 
utilization. Such mapping is also key to delineation and protection of 
sources of safe drinking water and sound land use planning.
  The National Geologic Mapping Act has fostered a spirit of 
cooperation between the Federal Government's Earth scientists and those 
employed by the 50 States, as well as academia. No one agency or group 
has all the answers. Through the workings of the Cooperative Geologic 
Mapping Program, priorities based on real needs are advanced, and 
funding is made available to the States on a 50/50 matching basis from 
a small portion of the annual USGS appropriation.
  Since the program was initiated, the States have demonstrated a 
greater ability to come up with the matching funds in their own State 
legislatures, a sign that the program is indeed successful.
  Of course, we realize that geologic mapping will not stop 
earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions from happening, but it 
does provide new insights into the likelihood of their occurrence, so 
that the impacts to society may be ameliorated.
  I would like to thank our colleague, the gentleman from West Virginia 
(Mr. Rahall), a cosponsor of this bill and a sponsor of the original 
act in 1992, for joining with me in support of this new and improved 
act, and likewise for our colleague, the gentleman from the Second 
District of Nevada (Mr. Gibbons), who is a geologist himself and a 
cosponsor of H.R. 1528.
  Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Dr. David Wunsch, 
who is a congressional science fellow who worked with the Subcommittee 
on Energy and Mineral Resources during the last year. David has 
returned to the Kentucky Geologic Survey to do important research in 
the hydrogeology of coal-bearing terrains, but he was instrumental in 
seeing this bill come this far.

[[Page H10793]]

  H.R. 1528 has the full support of the administration, and I urge its 
passage.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  (Mr. UNDERWOOD asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
his remarks.)
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, this bill, the National Geologic Mapping 
Reauthorization Act of 1991, has the full support of the Committee on 
Resources. Democrats and Republicans alike have voted to favorably 
report this bill to the House, and the Clinton administration has also 
endorsed the bill.
  We need geologic mapping in our society for many worthwhile purposes, 
including emergency preparedness, environmental protection, land use 
planning, and resource extraction.
  Over the years, the need for geologic maps has grown steadily, but 
map production has not kept up. The Earth provides the physical 
foundation for our society. We live upon it and we use its resources. 
Therefore, we need to work toward a better understanding of the Earth's 
resources and potential dangers.
  Geologic maps are one effective way to convey the Earth science 
foundation needed for better understanding and decision-making by all 
of us, Federal agencies, State, territorial, and local governments, 
private industry, and the general public alike.
  The National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992, which this bill would 
extend, which was first authored by our colleague, the gentleman from 
West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) authorized a national program of geologic 
mapping to be accomplished through partnership with State geological 
surveys, academia, the private sector, and the USGS.
  This partnership is essential if we are to developing the extensive 
amount of material needed for informed decision-making. Accordingly, it 
is my pleasure to support adoption of the bill. I urge all of my 
colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in voting on H.R. 
1528.
  I would like to acknowledge the leadership of the subcommittee 
chairwoman, the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Mrs. Cubin).
  Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes, to the gentleman from 
Nevada (Mr. Gibbons).
  (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to begin by 
thanking the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Mrs. Cubin) for her gracious 
yielding of time for me to speak, and her diligent work and commitment 
on this bill, as well as that of the gentleman from Guam (Mr. 
Underwood), and for seeing to it that this bill reaches the House 
floor.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation becomes very important when we consider 
and address issues of safety in the environment. H.R. 1528 reauthorizes 
the geologic mapping Act of 1992, which was a legislative response to 
identified deficiencies in the National Academy of Sciences with their 
lack of basic geologic knowledge and structures in this country.
  Being a geologist myself, I can personally attest to the great 
importance of geologic mapping and its resultant impact on many aspects 
of our society. Geologic maps benefit safety and planning regulations, 
telling us where natural disasters may occur. For example, they 
identify and map earthquake fault lines and water flow patterns which 
are important to identifying disaster potentials when building 
infrastructure for our communities and transportation routes.

                              {time}  1230

  Without a detailed geologic map of the United States, we will be 
forced to address issues such as safe drinking water and environmental 
systems, understanding in the same dangerous fashion that someone might 
drive a car at night without headlights.
  It is imperative for us to explore and understand what resources we 
have in this country and how best to use them before we carelessly make 
unscientific decisions without the full knowledge of our underlying 
environment.
  I also believe that detailed geologic maps provide the basic 
information for solving a broad range of regional and State problems. 
These include the protection of drinking water, the identification and 
mitigation of natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanic 
eruptions, as well as many other land-use planning requirements.
  This legislation will assist State and local communities with land 
and water decisions, aid farmers and ranchers with crop decisions, 
advance habitat protection for endangered species, and aid the mining 
industry with site determination for mineral resources.
  Currently, Mr. Speaker, only about 20 percent or one-fifth of the 
Nation is adequately mapped. Congress, however, has finally begun to 
understand the importance and need of geologic mapping, and it is time 
that we use our dollars wisely to bring about the best science for this 
country.
  Geologic maps are the primary database for virtually all applied and 
basic earth science investigations. It is because of this continued 
need for core science that I urge all Members to support H.R. 1528. I 
believe that passage of this bill is in the best interest of science 
and the Nation as well.
  Once again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentlewoman from 
Wyoming (Mrs. Cubin) for her leadership in bringing this important 
legislation before us today. I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor 
of this bill.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bonilla). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Mrs. Cubin) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1528.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________