[Senate Report 104-395]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 597
104th Congress Report
SENATE
2d Session 104-395
_______________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAPPING REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1996
_______
October 1, 1996.--Ordered to be printed
_______________________________________________________________________
Mr. Murkowski, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 3198]
The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to which was
referred the Act (H.R. 3198) to reauthorize and amend the
National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992, and for other purposes,
having considered the same, reports favorably thereon without
amendment and recommends that the Act do pass.
Purpose of the Measure
The purpose of H.R. 3198 is to reauthorize appropriations
for the National Geological Mapping Act of 1992 which will
expire at the end of the fiscal year 1996.
Background and Need for Legislation
The National Geologic Mapping Act (NGMA) of 1992 (Public
Law 102-285; 43 United States Code 31a-h) was the legislative
response to concerns of the National Academy of Sciences as to
the inadequacy of basic geologic mapping efforts in the
country. The NGMA established a cooperative program involving
the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the geologic surveys of the
50 States and academia to pursue an expanded geologic mapping
effort of bedrock and surficial terranes.
Detailed geologic mapping provides basic information for
solving a broad range of societal problems. These include the
delineation and protection of sources of safe drinking water,
environmental system understanding, and foundations of
ecosystems management; identification and mitigation of natural
hazards, such as earthquake-prone areas, volcanic eruptions,
landslides and other ground failures, and many other land-use
planning requirements; and assessment of coal, petroleum and
natural gas, construction materials, metals, and other natural
resources.
Only about one-fifth of the Nation is mapped at a scale
adequate to meet these needs. Reauthorization of the NGMA will
allow Federal, State and academic interests to continue to
address these needs cooperatively. The critical areas have been
identified at the State level by State-map advisory committees.
These critical areas include Federal, State, and local
priorities.
Since its establishment in 1879, the USGS has been charged
with ``classification of the public lands and examination of
the geological structure, mineral resources and products of the
national domain.'' While generally receiving good marks for its
geologic mapping efforts for over a century, the National
Academy of Sciences in a 1988 report recognized that the USGS
alone lacked the manpower to overcome this deficiency.
Traditionally, colleges and universities as well as the various
State geologic surveys have contributed to the mix of geologic
maps produced, albeit not always in a coordinated manner. The
NGMA provides a cooperative frame-work to attempt to meet the
Nation's geologic map data needs efficiently.
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 50:50
matching funds from the applicant, ensuring the value of each
proposal is weighed against its cost in Federal and State
appropriated funds. Since fiscal year 1993, approximately $7.5
million of Federal appropriated funds have been matched by
State monies in the cooperative, peer-reviewed program for
geologic map products produced by the 50 State geological
surveys, about 15 percent of the total Federal appropriation
over the same interval for geologic mapping program efforts in
total.
While the Committee recognizes the critical role mapping
plays in the assessment of the nation's geologic resources,
environment, and hazards, there is also a recognition that the
Federal funding necessary to support the work is diminishing.
In response to this growing financial deficit, the Committee
urges the U.S. Geological Survey to actively seek
opportunities, where appropriate, to increase the role of the
private sector in this important national program.
Legislative History
On March 29, 1996, Congressman Ken Calvert introduced H.R.
3198 in the House of Representatives. On April 23, 1996 the
House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a
hearing on the legislation. On July 11, 1996 the bill was
favorably reported by the House Committee on Resources and on
July 30, 1996 the bill passed the House by voice vote. The bill
was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources.
Committee Recommendation and Tabulation of Votes
The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in
open business session on September 12, 1996, by voice vote of a
quorum present, recommends that the Senate pass H.R. 3198.
Section-by-Section Analysis
section 1. short title
The bill may be cited as the ``National Geologic Mapping
Reauthorization Act of 1996.''
section 2. findings
This section of the bill provides Congressional findings
about the national need for geologic mapping performed in a
comprehensive and cooperative manner.
section 3. reauthorization and amendment
Section 3 reauthorizes and amends the expiring NGMA. The
Federal/State/academia cooperative elements of the original Act
are retained with minor amendments in definitions. The bill
also establishes an advisory committee to the USGS Director on
planning and implementation of the geologic mapping program,
corrects references to the Committee on Resources in an annual
report to the Committee, and authorizes appropriations for
funding the cooperative geologic mapping program of the USGS
and allocates funds between the Federal, State and education
components of the program for the next four fiscal years.
Cost and Budgetary Considerations
The following estimate of costs of this measure has been
provided by the Congressional Budget Office:
U.S. Congress,
Congressional Budget Office,
Washington, DC, September 18, 1996.
Hon. Frank H. Murkowski,
Chairman, Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, U.S. Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 3198, the National
Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1996.
Enacting H.R. 3198 would not affect direct spending or
receipts. Therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures would not apply
to the legislation.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them.
Sincerely,
June E. O'Neill, Director.
congressional budget office cost estimate
1. Bill number: H.R. 3198.
2. Bill title: National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization
Act of 1996.
3. Bill status: As reported by the Senate Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources on September 16, 1996.
4. Bill purpose: H.R. 3198 would reauthorize and amend the
National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992, which established a
cooperative program for geologic mapping between the United
States Geological Survey (USGS), the state geologic surveys,
and academia. The legislation would authorize appropriations
for fiscal years 1997 through 2000 for the geologic mapping
program and would change the allocation of funds between the
federal, state, and educational components. Other provisions
would make minor definitional changes in the 1992 act, change
the size and membership of the advisory committee to the USGS
Director on planning and implementation of the geologic mapping
program, and codify an existing requirement that federal
funding of geologic mapping education be matched on a one-to-
one basis by nonfederal sources.
5. Estimated cost to the Federal Government: Assuming
appropriation of the authorized amounts, CBO estimates that
enacting H.R. 3198 would result in additional discretionary
spending of $108 million over the 1997-2001 period. The costs
of the legislation are shown in the following table.
[By fiscal year, in millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spending under current law:
Budget authority............................. 22 ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... .......
Estimated outlays............................ 22 1 ....... ....... ....... ....... .......
Proposed changes:
Authorization level.......................... ....... 24 26 28 30 ....... .......
Estimated outlays............................ ....... 23 26 28 30 1 .......
Spending under H.R. 3198:
Authorization level \1\...................... 22 24 26 28 30 ....... .......
Estimated outlays............................ 22 24 26 28 30 1 .......
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The 1996 level is the amount appropriated for that year.
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function
300.
6. Basis of estimate: For the purposes of this estimate,
CBO assumes that all amounts authorized in H.R. 3198 would be
appropriated by the start of each fiscal year and that outlays
would follow the historical spending patterns for the national
geologic mapping program.
CBO estimates that other provisions in the legislation
would have no significant budgetary impact. For example, H.R.
3198 would change the allocation of program funds so that
increasing amounts are directed toward the state geological
surveys. Based on information from USGS, however, CBO estimates
that this change would not affect the rate at which funds are
spent.
7. Pay-as-you-go considerations: None.
8. Estimated impact on State, local, and tribal
governments: H.R. 3198 contains no intergovernmental mandates
as defined in Public Law 104-4 and would impose no costs on
state, local, or tribal governments. This legislation would
authorize appropriations for the national cooperative geologic
mapping program, including about $22 million over the next four
years for grants to states and about $2 million over that
period for an education component, consisting of grants to
colleges and universities. The state grant component would
increase slightly over this period as a proportion of the total
program. H.R. 3198 also would codify the existing one-to-one
matching requirement for the education component.
9. Estimated impact on the private sector: This legislation
contains no private-sector mandates as defined in Public Law
104-4.
10. Previous CBO estimate: Only July 1, 1996, CBO provided
an estimate for H.R. 3198, as ordered reported by the House
Committee on Resources on June 19, 1996. The two versions of
H.R. 3198 and their estimated costs are the same.
11. Estimate prepared by: Federal Cost Estimate--Gary
Brown; State and Local Government Impact--Marjorie Miller;
Private-Sector Impact--Patrice Gordon.
12. Estimate approved by: Robert A. Sunshine (for Paul N.
Van de Water, Assistant Director for Budget Analysis).
Regulatory Impact Evaluation
In compliance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee makes the following
evaluation of the regulatory impact which would be incurred in
carrying out H.R. 3198. The bill is not a regulatory measure in
the sense of imposing Government established standards or
significant economic responsibilities on private individuals
and businesses.
No personal information would be collected in the
administering of the program. Therefore, there would be no
impact on personal privacy.
Little, if any, additional paperwork would result from
enactment of H.R. 3198, or ordered reported.
Executive Communications
On September 24, 1996, the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources requested a legislative report from the Department of
the Interior setting forth executive views on H.R. 3198. This
report had not been received at the time the report on H.R.
3198 was filed. When the report becomes available, the Chairman
will request that it be printed in the Congressional Record for
the advice of the Senate. The following testimony from the
administration was provided to the House during that bodies
hearing:
Statement of Dr. P. Patrick Leahy, U.S. Geological Survey, Department
of the Interior
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to be here today to express the
Administration's support for H.R. 3198, a bill to reauthorize
the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992. I appreciate the
opportunity to review the progress made under the Act since
1992 and to outline the goals that we are setting through the
reauthorization legislation.
The Earth provides the foundation of our society--we live
upon it and we utilize its products. A thorough knowledge of
the Earth's resources and dangers is crucial for informed
decisions in making public policy. Geologic maps are the best
tools to collect and convey this information. The National
Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, authorized by the
National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992, produces geologic maps
needed by public and private organizations, maps essential to
our continued economic health and vitality.
Geologic maps are the keystone of the U.S. Geological
Survey's mission. They address each of the four principal
themes of the Survey's mission: information, hazards,
resources, and the environment. The geologic maps prepared by
Survey scientists over the past century have been the primary
means of communicating geologic information and data. In the
past 100 years, society's needs have risen dramatically and
have focused the attention of the earth science community on
processes at and near the Earth's surface. We continue to seek
and refine information that is essential for the protection of
human health and safety and for continued economic growth,
outcomes that can be traced ultimately to high-quality geologic
maps. Old geologic maps must be revised and updated, and new
ones prepared. Tight fiscal constraints require that the
broadest range of stakeholders determine what information is
needed so that our effort are well targeted. These constraints
require that all those who prepare geologic maps, within the
U.S. Geological Survey to State geological surveys and the
academic community, work cooperatively to maximize each other's
strengths and to avoid duplication. It is often said that
cooperative effort of a group can exceed the sum of the
individual efforts--today, I will outline how activities under
the National Geologic Mapping Act are applying such a
cooperative and synergistic approach among the Federal
Government, the states, and the academic community.
To the extent possible, humans must be safe from natural
hazards. Although natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions, landslides and floods cannot be stopped, recognizing
and planning for these dangers can significantly reduce the
chances for a major disaster. Geologic maps are the principal
means for discovering and recording areas that will be affected
by natural hazards and for communicating the dangers of hazards
such as earthquake producing faults, landslides, collapse
structures, expanding soils, volcanic eruptions, and both
natural and manmade pollution. Identifying the location of
hazardous areas on maps allows land managers, industry, and the
public to predict potential losses, develop strategies to
minimize these losses.
Human health depends largely on environmental quality.
Effective environmental policy requires an understanding of the
complex interrelationships among components of the biosphere,
including the Earth itself. Geologic maps provide the
foundation needed to achieve balanced and scientifically
credible environmental protection. They provide information on
the location of rock types that produce radon, release toxic
heavy metals, or interact with water to produce acid drainage.
They provide the framework to predict flow paths for
contaminated ground water plumes, to identify safe locations
for waste sites and other facilities that will minimize the
chances for pollution of soil and water. They also help to
delineate specific soil or rock types necessary for certain
plant communities.
Economic growth is driven largely by access to the Earth's
resources. Water, energy, and building materials are required
to sustain our vital economic engine. Geologic maps provide the
keys for the location of safe drinking water, energy resources
such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas; construction
materials such as sand, gravel limestone, and building stone;
soil and rock types that enhance agricultural productivity; and
metals and other mineral resources as diverse as gold,
fertilizer, and kitty litter (zeolite and vermiculite). Policy
makers must know the nature and extent of resources in order to
plan how to manage the land in an economically sustainable way.
Industry and local governments need geologic maps to help
estimate the available resources for water supplies, building,
energy production, and extraction of raw materials.
national cooperative geologic mapping program
The national Cooperative Geologic Mapping (NCGM) Program
ensures that our Nation will continue to have the geologic maps
it needs to protect the health of our citizens and promote
economic growth. Through involvement with private industry,
public policy makers, and the public, the Program seeks to
ensure that mapping efforts are focused on priority areas. The
Program also uses stakeholder input to determine what formats
are most useful as we move into the information age; new
geologic maps are being produced in digital formats that can be
put on the Internet.
The NCGM Program has been designed so that the Nation will
have the quantitative geologic map data needed to address
tomorrow's problems. To this end, the following goals are being
pursued:
Continue to enhance the outreach to stakeholders thus
ensuring that the maps address societal priorities and
are produced in forms easily accessible and usable.
Expand cooperative agreements with the State geologic
surveys, academic communities, other Federal agencies,
and the private sector to enhance the output of map
information and data.
Develop metadata for the National Geologic Map
database and make the data available through the
Internet. Enhance the ability to produce digital as
well as analog (paper) map products.
The NCGM Program brings together Earth scientists from the
U.S. Geological Survey, State geological surveys, and academia
through a process of partnering. The program will ensure a
balance of funding between State geological surveys and
academia. The goals of the academic funding are to ensure that
we train the scientists who will provide the geologic maps of
the future.
The National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992, Public Law 102-
285 authorized the establishment of a National Cooperative
Geologic Mapping Program with the U.S. Geological Survey as the
lead Federal agency responsible for coordinating and managing
the geologic mapping program. The act also state that the
program is to be implemented through four components: FEDMAP
and SUPPORTMAP which constitute the Federal component of the
geologic mapping program, STATEMAP, which supports the States'
efforts in producing geologic maps, and EDMAP, which ensures
the training of students in the production of geologic maps.
The 1992 Act also called for the establishment of a National
Advisory Committee, the development of a National Geologic Map
Database, and the development of methods to increase public
awareness of the role and application of geologic map
information to the resolution of national issues. Several
changes in the geologic mapping program have occurred since the
passage of the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 that I am
pleased to enter into the record:
1. Program name.--The National Geologic Mapping Program is
now named the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, a
small change in the name, but a significant change in
recognition of the strong partnering aspect of the program with
the State geological surveys through the Association of
American State Geologists (AASG), with academia, and with the
National Park Service and other Federal agencies.
2. STATEMAP.--In FY 1995 only about 6 percent of total
program funding was available for matching by State geological
surveys, whereas in FY 1996 and beyond a minimum of 20 percent
of appropriated funds will be apportioned to the STATEMAP
component, thereby significantly increasing the amount of high-
priority geologic mapping required by individual States and the
Nation. In. FY 1996 cooperative agreements are being made with
42 States to help support 60 geologic mapping projects. These
projects were recommended for funding by a peer review panel
consisting primarily of State Geologist (Exhibit 1).
3. EDMAP.--This important component of the geologic mapping
program is being implemented for the first time in FY 1996. Two
percent of the total program funding is available for matching
by universities. The funding is to help support graduate
students to conduct geologic mapping in areas of priority to
State or Federal agencies. These studies not only help increase
the geologic mapping of high priority areas but also help train
the next generation of geologic mappers. In FY 1996 cooperative
agreements are being made with 37 universities to support 40
geologic mapping projects recommended for funding by a peer
review panel consisting primarily of university professors who
are experts in geologic mapping (Exhibit 1).
4. FEDMAP/SUPPORTMAP.--The USGS continues to be active in
executing geologic mapping (FEDMAP) and supporting studies
(SUPPORTMAP) of paleontology, stratigraphy, geochronology,
isotope geology, geophysics, and geochemistry. Over the past
few years the geologic mapping program has moved from large
numbers of essentially one-person projects to more integrated
regional synthesis activities in which clients and cooperators
are involved in all phases of the planning, implementation, and
execution of project work. For this reason, much of our
geologic mapping has moved from rural and wilderness areas to
the ``urban corridor'' and ``urban fringe'' areas, where
competing land use decisions benefit from improved geologic
information. Three examples of the twelve regional synthesis
projects are the Southern California Areal Mapping Project
(SCAMP), the Middle Rio Grande Basin Project, and the Florida
Cooperative Geologic Mapping Project.
Southern California Areal Mapping Project (SCAMP)
This geologic mapping project is centered on the Los
Angeles urban area and covers most of southwestern California
(Exhibit 3). This is a joint effort with the California
Division of Mines and Geology. Clients include the U.S. Air
Force (March Air Force Base and Edwards Air Force Base), the
U.S. Navy (Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air/Ground Combat
Center and the Chocolate Mountains Gunnery Range), the U.S.
Forest Service (San Bernadino National Forest), U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers (Seven Oaks Dam), National Park Service (Joshua
Tree National Park), San Bernadino Valley Municipal Water
Agency (Yucaipa and San Bernadino Basins), Mojave Water Agency
(Lucerne and Morango Basins and Mojave River), Metropolitan
Water District, and the Southern California Earthquake Center.
The components of the project address a variety of urban
geology issues for which geologic mapping provides essential
primary data. These are: (1) mapping the geometry of ground
water basins and flow regimes to assist several California
water districts in dealing with water resource and recharge
problems and to help the Air Force monitor contaminant plumes
in ground water, (2) mapping limestone and aggregate building
resources to assist the National Forest Service manage its
land, (3) providing geologic map data to assist the Corps of
Engineers in siting a dam between two strands of the San
Andreas fault and (4) helping the Metropolitan Water District
define the structural setting of the ``Domenigoni'' reservoir,
now under construction, which when completed will be the
largest water retention structure in Southern California.
Middle Rio Grande Basin Project
One of the new cooperative urban-focus projects organized
within NCGMP in FY 1996 provides a geologic framework and
geologic map database for investigation of the Middle Rio
Grande Basin, a region that includes extensive Federal lands as
well as the principal urban centers of New Mexico. This project
addresses the critical issue of diminishing ground water supply
in the rapidly developing Santa Fe-Albuquerque-Socorro urban
corridor of New Mexico. Previous joint studies by the New
Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources and USGS have
shown that the extent of the primary aquifer in the region is
more limited in size and distribution than previously believed,
and unless new water resources and identified, urban
development will be limited (Exhibit 4). NCGMP has joined with
other USGS Divisions, with area universities, New Mexico Bureau
of Mines and Mineral Resources, and other federal agencies in a
5-year effort to better define the hydrology and geology of the
Middle Rio Grande Basin. As illustrated in Exhibit 4, NCGMP is
taking the lead in compiling the overall geologic map database
for the region at 1:100,000-scale and in developing airborne
geophysical data sets for identifying buried aquifers and
geologic structures that control ground water flow.
Florida Cooperative Geologic Mapping Project
This is a cooperative effort with the Florida Geological
Survey (FGS) to provide surficial and shallow subsurface
geological mapping in the State of Florida (Exhibit 5). The
activities of the FGS include primary responsibility for
surficial geologic mapping, stratigraphic test drilling, and
analysis and curation of drill core samples. NCGMP provides
high resolution biostratigraphy and interpretation of the
ancient environments where sediments were deposited. This joint
work has established the geologic framework for hydrologic flow
modeling by the South and Southwest Florida Water Management
Districts and USGS and has resulted in a re-evaluation the
stratigraphic setting and flow patterns within the principal
Floridan aquifers. This cooperative work with the state has
extended the stratigraphic range (thickness) and defined
depositional settings where economic deposits of phosphate
occur in Florida.
NCGMP has also formed a partnership with the Florida
Geological Survey, South and Southwest Florida Water Management
Districts, Dade County, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Everglades National
Park, and several area universities to investigate the quality
and quantity of water delivered to both the southeast (Biscayne
Bay) and south (Florida Bay) coasts of Florida (Exhibit 5).
Both of these shallow bays are showing increasing signs of
distress such as algal blooms, seagrass die-offs; fishery
declines, increases in pollution, and changes in nearshore
vegetation patterns. It is important to know how many of the
observed changes are direct consequences of human activity and
how many are related to natural variations in the ecosystems.
This project is testing theories about human influence by
examining the geologic record for the past 300 years and
examining the ability of the natural systems to recover from
disturbances. Initial results suggest that there are both man-
induced changes, such as changes in plant distribution related
to canal-building, as well as natural cycles in seagrass
abundance and fishery productivity.
5. External advisory committee.--The U.S. Geological Survey
sponsored two national workshops, one in December of 1994 and a
second in February of 1995, to begin the process of soliciting
advice on the planning and implementation of the geologic
mapping program. Workshop participants were producers and users
of geologic map information including representatives from
Federal and State agencies, academic institutions, and the
private sector. Just recently, a 16-member National Cooperative
Geologic Mapping Program Advisory Committee has been chartered
and appointed. It is scheduled to hold its first meeting April
25-26, 1996, in Washington, DC.
6. National geologic map database.--A draft of this
database design has recently been released for comment via the
Internet by creating a site on the World Wide Web (WWW). The
Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for this site is ``http://
wwwflag.wr.usgs.gov/ngmdb''. This web site is also linked to
the recently created web site for the National Cooperative
Geologic Mapping Program whose URL is ``http://
ncgmp.usgs.gov''. A critical element in database construction
is the development, acceptance, and adherence to a certain
level of standardization. The USGS is currently working with
both producers and users of geologic map information to develop
draft format, symbols, and technical attribute standards so
that geologic map database information can be accessed,
exchanged, and compared efficiently and accurately as required
by Executive Order 12906 (59 Fed. Reg. 17,671; 1994), which
established the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).
7. USGS circular 1111.--``Societal Value of Geologic
Maps'', published in 1993, is an economic analysis by the
geologic mapping program that describes geologic maps, a
rigorous benefit-cost model for valuing geologic map
information, and the economic issues associated with
determining whether or not a geologic map is a public good
(Exhibit 6). Nearly ten thousand copies have been requested
since publication. This publication and similar studies are
increasing public awareness of the utility (value in use) of
geologic map information to issues of land use management.
8. Federal partnerships.--The geologic mapping program is
developing a series of cooperative relationships with various
Federal partners in addition to our State and academic
cooperators. The most mature of these is with the National Park
Service (NPS). In 1995, the USGS and NPS signed a Memorandum of
Understanding that outlined areas of interaction between the
two agencies. The geologic mapping program responded by working
with NPS during 1995 as part of their ``Science in the Parks''
initiative to direct a portion of the program's geologic
mapping and supporting activities toward priorities established
by NPS. The NPS used a national project call and priority
system to rank over 100 proposals for geologic work in FY 1996.
The geologic mapping program has begun work in FY 1996 with 10
of the 30 top-priority parks. The geologic mapping program is
currently in the process of fostering similar partnerships with
other Federal agencies including Bureau of Land Management,
U.S. Forest Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and
Department of Energy.
Mr. Chairman, in concluding my remarks, I would like to
state for the record that the National Geologic Mapping Act of
1992 has been instrumental in helping focus more attention on
the Nation's need for a systematic, high-quality geologic map
database to serve as the primary underpinnings for virtually
all applied and basic earth science investigations. The
Administration supports reauthorization and urges bipartisan
support for this legislation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the
opportunity to express the views of the U.S. Geological Survey
on the benefits of the current National Geologic Mapping Act
and the value of reauthorizing this program. I would be happy
to respond to any questions you may have.
Changes in Existing Law
In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the changes in existing law by
the Act H.R. 3198, as ordered reported, are shown as follows
(existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black
brackets, new matter is printed in italic, existing law in
which no change is proposed is shown in roman):
NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAPPING ACT OF 1992
* * * * * * *
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
[As used in this Act:] In this Act:
(1) Advisory committee.--The term ``advisory
committee'' means the advisory committee established
under section 5.
(2) Association.--The term ``Association'' means the
Association of American State Geologists.
[(2)] (3) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the
Director of the United States Geological Survey.
[(3)] (4) Geologic mapping program.--The term
``Geologic mapping program'' means the National
Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program established by
section 4(a).
[(4)] (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means
the Secretary of the Interior.
[(5)] (6) Survey.--The term ``Survey'' means the
United States Geological Survey.
SEC. 4. GEOLOGIC MAPPING PROGRAM.
[(a) Establishment.--There is established in the United
States Geological Survey a National Cooperative Geologic
Mapping Program. The geologic mapping program shall be
developed in consultation with the advisory committee and shall
be designed and administered to achieve the objectives set
forth in subsection (c).]
(a) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--There is established a national
cooperative geologic mapping program between the United
States Geological Survey and the State geological
surveys, acting through the Association.
(2) In design, development, and administration.--The
cooperative geologic mapping program shall be--
(A) designed and administered to achieve the
objectives set forth in subsection (c);
(B) developed in consultation with the
advisory committee; and
(C) administered through the Survey.
(b) Responsibilities of [USGS] the Survey.--
(1) Lead agency.--The Survey shall be the lead
Federal agency responsible for planning, developing
priorities, coordinating, and managing the geologic
mapping program. In carry out this paragraph, the
Secretary, acting through the Director, shall--
(A) develop a geologic mapping program
implementation plan in accordance with section
6, which plan shall be submitted to the
[Committee on Natural Resources] Committee on
Resources of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
of the Senate within 300 days after the [date
of enactment of this Act] date of enactment of
the National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization
Act of 1996:
(B) appoint, with the advice and consultation
of the [State geological surveys] Association,
the advisory committee within 90 days after the
[date of enactment of this Act] date of
enactment of the National Geologic Mapping
Reauthorization Act of 1996 in accordance with
section 5; and
(C) within 210 days after the [date of
enactment of this Act] date of enactment of the
National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act
of 1996, submit a report to the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources of the United
States Senate and to the [Committee on Natural
Resources] Committee on Resources of the House
of Representatives identifying--
(i) how the Survey and the
Association will coordinate the
development and implementation of the
geologic mapping program;
(ii) how the Survey and the
Association will establish goals,
mapping priorities, and target dates
for implementation of the geologic
mapping program, and
(iii) how long-term staffing plans
for the various components of the
geologic mapping program will lead to
successful implementation of the
geologic mapping program [; and
[(iv) the degree to which geologic
mapping activities traditionally funded
by the Survey, including the use of
commercially available aerial
photography, geodesy, professional land
surveying, photogrammetric mapping,
cartography, photographic processing,
and related services, can be contracted
to professional private mapping firms.]
(2) Responsibilities of the secretary.--In addition
to paragraph (1), the Secretary, acting through the
Director, shall be responsible for developing, as soon
as practicable--
(A) in cooperation with the [State geological
surveys] Association, other Federal and State
agencies, public and private sector
organizations and academia, the geologic-map
data base; and
(B) maps and mapping techniques which achieve
the objectives specified in subsection (c).
(c) Program Objectives.--The objectives of the geologic
mapping program shall include--
(1) determining the Nation's geologic framework
through systematic development of geologic maps at
scales appropriate to the geologic setting and the
perceived applications, such maps to be contributed to
the national geologic map data base;
(2) development of a complementary national
geophysical-map data base, geochemical-map data base,
and a geochronologic and paleontologic data base that
provide value-added descriptive and [interpretive]
interpretative information to the geologic-map data
base;
(3) application of cost-effective mapping techniques
that assemble, produce, translate and disseminate
geologic-map information and that render such
information of greater application and benefit to the
public; and
(4) development of public [awareness for] awareness
of the role and application of geologic-map information
to the resolution of national issues of land use
management.
(d) Program Components.--The geologic mapping program shall
include the following components:
(1) Federal component.--A Federal geologic mapping
component, whose objective shall be determining the
geologic framework of areas determined to be vital to
the economic, social, or scientific welfare of the
Nation. Mapping priorities shall be based on--
(A) national requirements for geologic-map
information in areas of multiple-issue need or
areas of compelling single-issue need; and
(B) national requirements for geologic-map
information in areas where mapping is required
to solve critical earth-science problems.
(2) Support component.--A geologic mapping support
component, whose objective shall be providing
interdisciplinary support for the Federal Geologic
Mapping Component. Representative categories of
interdisciplinary support shall include--
(A) establishment of a national geologic-map
data base established pursuant to section 7;
(B) studies that lead to the implementation
of cost-effective digital methods for the
acquisition, compilation, analysis,
cartographic production, and dissemination of
geologic-map information;
(C) paleontologic investigations that provide
information critical to understanding the age
and depositional environment of fossil-bearing
geologic-map units, which investigations shall
be contributed to a national paleontologic data
base;
[(D) geochronologic and isotopic
investigations that (i) provide radiometric age
dates for geologic-map units and (ii)
fingerprint the geothermometry, geobarometry,
and alteration history of geologic-map units,
which investigations shall be contributed to a
national geochronologic data base;]
(D) geochronologic and isotopic
investigations that--
(i) provide radiometric age dates for
geologic-map units; and
(ii) fingerprint the geothermometry,
geobarometry, and alteration history of
geologic-map units,
which investigations shall be contributed to a
national geochronologic data base;
(E) geophysical investigations that assist in
delineating and mapping the physical
characteristics and three-dimensional
distribution of geologic materials and geologic
structures, which investigations shall be
contributed to a national geophysical-map data
base and
(F) geochemical investigations and analytical
operations that characterize the major- and
minor-element composition of geologic-map
units, and that lead to the recognition of
stable and anomalous geochemical signatures for
geologic terrains, which investigations shall
be contributed to a national geochemical-map
data base.
(3) State component.--A State geologic mapping
component, whose objective shall be determining the
geologic framework of areas that the State geological
surveys determine to be vital to the economic, social,
or scientific welfare of individual States. Mapping
priorities shall be determined by multirepresentational
State panels and shall be integrated with national
priorities. Federal funding for the State component
shall be matched on a one-to-one basis with non-Federal
funds.
[(4) A geologic mapping education component, whose
objective shall be--
[(A) to develop the academic programs that
teach earth-science students the fundamental
principles of geologic mapping and field
analysis; and
[(B) to provide for broad education in
geologic mapping and field analysis through
support of field teaching institutes.
Investigations conducted under the geologic mapping
education component shall be integrated with the other
mapping components of the geologic mapping program, and
shall respond to priorities identified for those
components.]
(4) Education component.--A geologic mapping
education component--
(A) the objectives of which shall be--
(i) to develop the academic programs
that teach earth-science students the
fundamental principles of geologic
mapping and field analysis; and
(ii) to provide for broad education
in geologic mapping and field analysis
through support of field studies;
(B) investigations under which shall be
integrated with the other mapping components of
the geologic mapping program and shall respond
to priorities identified for those components;
and
(C) Federal funding for which shall be
matched by non-Federal sources on a 1-to-1
basis.
SEC. 5. ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
[(a) Establishment.--There shall be established a sixteen
member geologic mapping advisory committee to advise the
Director on planning and implementation of the geologic mapping
program. The President shall appoint one representative each
from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of
Energy, the Department of Agriculture, and the Office of
Science and Technology Policy. Within 90 days and with the
advice and consultation of the State Geological Surveys, the
Secretary shall appoint to the advisory committee 2
representatives form the Survey (including the Chief Geologist,
as Chairman), 4 representatives from the State geological
surveys, 3 representatives from academia, and 3 representatives
from the private sector.]
(a) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--There shall be established a 10-
member geologic mapping advisory committee to advise
the Director on planning and implementation of the
geologic mapping program.
(2) Members ex officio.--Federal agency members shall
include the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency or a designee, the Secretary of
Energy or a designee, the Secretary of Agriculture or a
designee, and the Assistant to the President for
Science and Technology or a designee.
(3) Appointed members.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of the National Geologic Mapping
Reauthorization Act of 1996, in consultation with the
Association, the Secretary shall appoint to the
advisory committee 2 representatives from the Survey
(including the Chief Geologist, as Chairman), 2
representatives from the State geological surveys, I
representative from academia, and 1 representative from
the private sector.
(b) Duties.--The advisory committee shall--
(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
(3) submit an annual report to the Secretary that
evaluates the progress of the Federal [and State],
State, and University mapping activities and evaluates
the progress made toward fulfilling the purpose of this
Act.
SEC. 6. GEOLOGIC MAPPING PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.
The Secretary, acting through the Director, shall, with the
advice and review of the advisory committee, prepare an
implementation plan for the geologic mapping program. The plan
shall identify the overall management structure and operation
of the geologic mapping program and shall provide for--
(1) the role of the Survey in its capacity as overall
management lead, including the responsibility for
developing the national cooperative geologic mapping
program and meets Federal needs while simultaneously
fostering State needs;
* * * * * * *
(3) mechanisms for identifying short- and long-term
priorities for each component of the geologic mapping
program, including--
(A) * * *
* * * * * * *
[(C) for the State geologic mapping
component, a priority-setting mechanism that
responds to (i) specific intra-state needs for
geologic-map information, and (ii) inter-state
needs shared by adjacent entities that have
common requirements; and]
(C) for the State geologic mapping component,
a priority-setting mechanism that responds to--
(i) specific intrastate needs for
geologic-map information; and
(ii) interstate needs shared by
adjacent entities that have common
requirements; and
(D) for the geologic mapping education
component, a priority-setting mechanism that
responds to requirements for geologic-map
information that are driven by Federal and
State mission requirements;
[(4) a description of the degree to which the Survey
can acquire, archive, and use Side-Looking Airborne
Radar (SLAR) or Interferometric Synthetic Aperture
Radar (IFSAR) data in a manner that is technically
appropriate for geologic or related mapping studies;
[(5) a mechanism for adopting scientific and
technical map standards for preparing and publishing
general-purpose and special-purpose geologic maps to
(A) assure uniformity of cartographic and scientific
conventions, and (B) provide a basis for judgment as to
the comparability and quality of map products; and]
(4) a mechanism for adopting scientific and technical
mapping standards for preparing and publishing general-
purpose and special-purpose geologic maps to--
(A) ensure uniformity of cartographic and
scientific conventions; and
(B) provide a basis for judgment as to the
comparability and quality of map products; and
[(6)] (5) a mechanism for monitoring the inventory of
published and current mapping investigations nationwide
in order to facilitate planning and information
exchange and to avoid redundancy.
SEC. 7. NATIONAL GEOLOGIC-MAP DATA BASE.
(a) Establishment.--The Survey shall establish a national
geologic-map data base. Such date base shall be a national
archive that includes all maps developed pursuant to this Act,
the data bases developed pursuant to the investigations under
sections (4)(d)(2), (C), (D), (E), and (F), and other maps and
data as the Survey deems appropriate.
[(b) Standardization.--Geologic maps contributed to the
national archives should have standardized format, symbols, and
technical attributes so that archival information can be
assimilated, manipulated, accessed, exchanged, and compared
efficiently and accurately.]
(b) Standardization.--
(1) In general.--Geologic maps contributed to the
national archives shall have format, symbols, and
technical attributes that adhere to standards so that
archival information can be accessed, exchanged, and
compared efficiently and accurately, as required by
Executive Order 12906 (59 Fed. Reg. 17,671 (1994)),
which established the National Spatial Data
Infrastructure.
(2) Development of standards.--Entities that
contribute geologic maps to the national archives shall
develop the standards described in paragraph (1) in
cooperation with the Federal Geographic Data Committee,
which is charged with standards development and other
data coordination activities as described in Office of
Management and Budget revised Circular A-16.
SEC. 8. ANNUAL REPORT.
The Secretary shall, within 90 days after the end of each
fiscal year, submit an annual report to the [Committee on
Natural Resources] Committee on Resources of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate describing the status of the nationwide
geologic mapping [program, and describing and evaluating
progress] program and describing and evaluating the progress
achieved during the preceding fiscal year in developing the
national geologic-map data base. Each report shall include any
recommendations for legislative or other action as the
Secretary deems necessary and appropriate to fulfill the
purpose of this Act.
[SEC. 9 AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
[There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
Act the following:
[(1) For Federal mapping activities under this Act,
$12,500,000 for fiscal year 1993, $14,000,000 for
fiscal year 1994, $16,000,000 for fiscal year 1995, and
$18,000,000 for fiscal year 1996.
[(2) For Federal support activities under this Act,
$9,500,000 for fiscal year 1993, $10,000,000 for fiscal
year 1994, $10,500,000 for fiscal year 1995, and
$11,000,000 for fiscal year 1996.
[(3) For State mapping activities under this Act,
$15,000,000 for fiscal year 1993, $18,000,000 for
fiscal year 1994, $21,000,000 for fiscal year 1995, and
$25,000,000 for fiscal year 1996.
[(4) For educational support activities under this
Act, $500,000 for fiscal year 1993, $750,000 for fiscal
year 1994, $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1995, and
$1,500,000 for fiscal year 1996.]
SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out the national cooperative geologic mapping program
under this Act--
(1) $24,000,000 for fiscal year 1997;
(2) $26,000,000 for fiscal year 1998;
(3) $28,000,000 for fiscal year 1999; and
(4) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2000.
(b) Allocation of Appropriated Funds.--
(1) In general.--Of the amount of funds that are
appropriated under subsection (a) for any fiscal year
up to the amount that is equal to the amount
appropriated to carry out the national cooperative
geologic mapping program for fiscal year 1996--
(A) not less than 20 percent shall be
allocated to State mapping activities; and
(B) not less than 2 percent shall be
allocated to educational mapping activities.
(2) Increased appropriations.--Of the amount of funds
that are appropriated under subsection (a) for any
fiscal year up to the amount that exceeds the amount
appropriated to carry out the national cooperative
geologic mapping program for fiscal year 1996--
(A) for fiscal year 1997--
(i) 76 percent shall be allocated for
Federal mapping and support mapping
activities;
(ii) 22 percent shall be allocated
for State mapping activities; and
(iii) 2 percent shall be allocated
for educational mapping activities;
(B) for fiscal year 1998--
(i) 75 percent shall be allocated for
Federal mapping and support mapping
activities;
(ii) 23 percent shall be allocated
for State mapping activities; and
(iii) 2 percent shall be allocated
for educational mapping activities;
(C) for fiscal year 1999--
(i) 74 percent shall be allocated for
Federal mapping and support mapping
activities;
(ii) 24 percent shall be allocated
for State mapping activities; and
(iii) 2 percent shall be allocated
for educational mapping activities; and
(D) for fiscal year 2000--
(i) 73 percent shall be allocated for
Federal mapping and support mapping
activities;
(ii) 25 percent shall be allocated
for State mapping activities; and
(iii) 2 percent shall be allocated
for educational mapping activities.
* * * * * * *