[Senate Report 106-78]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



                                                       Calendar No. 156
106th Congress                                                   Report
                                 SENATE
 1st Session                                                     106-78

======================================================================



 
         NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAPPING REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999

                                _______
                                

                 June 14, 1999.--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 S. 607]

    The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to which was 
referred the bill (S. 607) to reauthorize and amend the 
National Geologic Mapping Act of 1999, having considered the 
same, reports favorably thereon without amendment and 
recommends that the bill do pass.

                         Purpose of the Measure

    The purposes of S. 607 is to reauthorize and amend the 
National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 through fiscal year 2005.

                          Background and Need

    Since its establishment in 1879, the United States 
Geological Survey (USGA) has been charged with classifying and 
mapping the public lands, geologic structures, mineral 
resources and products of the national domain. Geologic mapping 
serves a number of vital social needs including assessing 
natural hazards such as earthquake-prone areas, volcanic 
eruptions, landslides and other ground failures; aiding in the 
exploration for mineral resources; facilitating the monitoring 
and protection of groundwater resources; and assisting urban 
land use planning and general environmental and resource 
management.
    A 1988 report of the National Academy of Sciences expressed 
concerns about the adequacy of basic geologic mapping efforts 
nationwide. In response to these concerns, Congress enacted the 
National Geologic Mapping Act in 1992 (Public Law 102-285; 43 
United States Code 31a-h). Congress reauthorized this law in 
1997 (Public Law 105-36).
    The NGMA authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting 
through the USGS, to develop and maintain a cooperative Federal 
State geologic mapping program. The program involves USGS and 
the geologic survey organizations of all 50 states, as well as 
academia, in an effort to provide comprehensive geologic 
mapping of the Nation's surface and bedrock deposits.
    S. 607 extend the authorization for the NGMA through fiscal 
year 2005. I would also increase authorization levels for the 
various geologic mapping programs, and raise the percentage of 
funds available to be matched by States for the State component 
of the program. It would also require the Secretary to prepare 
a five year plan for the management of the program.

                          Legislative History

    S. 607 was introduced by Senators Craig and Murkowski on 
March 15, 1999. Senator Smith of Oregon is a cosponosor. A 
hearing on S. 607 was held before the Subcommittee on Forests 
and Public Land Management on April 28, 1999. At the business 
meeting on May 19, 1999, the Committee on Energy and Natural 
Resource ordered S. 607 favorably reported.

           Committee Recommendations and Tabulation of Votes

    The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in 
open business session on May 19, 1999, by a vote of a quorum 
present, recommends that the Senate pass S. 607, without 
amendment.

                      Section-by-Section Analysis

    Section 1 designates the bill's short title as the 
``National Geographic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1999''.
    Section 2 adds the Congressional findings regarding the 
geologic mapping needs of the nation.
    Section 3 defines terms used in the bill.
    Section 4 makes clarifying amendments to the Federal, State 
and education components of the program, retaining the 
requirement that the Federal share of the cost of activities 
under the State and education components not exceed 50 percent, 
and adding a restriction on the amount of funds under the State 
and education components that can be used for administrative 
costs.
    Section 5 makes clarifying amendments to the advisory 
committee section of the Act.
    Section 6 adds a requirement that the USGS develop a 5-year 
strategic plan for the geologic mapping program, and makes 
other clarifying amendments.
    Section 7 makes clarifying amendments.
    Section 8 changes the requirement that the Secretary report 
to the Congress on the status of the geologic mapping program 
from annually to biennially and makes other clarifying 
amendments.
    Section 9 authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 
2005 at the following levels: $28 million for FY 1999; $30 
million for FY 2000; $37 million for FY 2001; $43 million for 
FY 2002; $50 million for FY 2003; $57 million for FY 2004; $64 
million for FY 2005. It raises from a maximum of 25 percent to 
48 percent the amount of appropriated dollars that shall be 
available for the State component, and retains the maximum 
amount of 2 percent that can be expended on the education 
component.

                    Cost and Budgetary Consideration

    The following estimate of costs of this measure has been 
provided by the Congressional Budget Office:

                                     U.S. Congress,
                               Congressional Budget Office,
                                      Washington, DC, May 24, 1999.
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 S. 607, the National 
Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1999.
    If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be 
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contacts are Gary Brown 
(for federal costs) and Majorie Miller (for the state and local 
impact).
            Sincerely,
                                          Barry B. Anderson
                                    (For Dan L. Crippen, Director).
    Enclosure.

               congressional budget office cost estimate

S. 607--National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1999

    Summary: S. 607 would authorize the appropriation of $245 
million over the 1999-2004 period and $64 million in 2005 for 
geologic mapping programs at the U.S. Geological Survey. Of 
that total, $58 million in funding for 1999 and 2000 is already 
authorized under current law. CBO estimates that implementing 
S. 607 would result in additional outlays of $185 million over 
the 2001-2004 period, assuming the appropriation of the 
authorized amounts. Enacting the bill would not affect direct 
spending or receipts; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures would 
not apply.
    S. 607 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector 
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA). 
State governments would incur some costs to match the federal 
grant funds authorized by this bill, but these costs would be 
voluntary.
    Estimated cost to the Federal Government: Current law 
authorizes the appropriation of $28 million in 1999 and $30 
million in 2000 for geologic mapping. In addition to those 
amounts, S. 607 would authorize the appropriation of $37 
million in 2001, $43 million in 2002, $50 million in 2003, $57 
million in 2004, and $64 million in 2005. To date, an 
appropriation of $23 million for geologic mapping has been 
provided in 1999.
    For the purpose of this estimate, CBO assumes that S. 607 
will be enacted by the end of fiscal year 1999 and that all 
amounts authorized by the bill will be appropriated for each 
fiscal year. Estimated outlays are based on historical spending 
rates for these programs. The estimated budgetary impact of S. 
607 is shown in the following table. The costs of this 
legislation fall within budget function 300 (natural resources 
and environment).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                By fiscal year, in millions of dollars
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                        1999      2000      2001      2002      2003      2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION

Spending on geologic mapping under current law:
    Authorization level \1\.........................        28        30         0         0         0         0
    Estimated outlays...............................        28        30         2         0         0         0
Proposed changes:
    Authorization level.............................         0         0        37        43        50        57
    Estimated outlays...............................         0         0        35        43        50        57
Spending on geologic mapping under S. 607:
    Authorization level \1\.........................        28        30        37        43        50        57
    Estimated outlays...............................        28        30        37        43        50        57
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The 1999 and 2000 levels are the amounts authorized under current law (Public Law 105-36); to date, $23
  million has been appropriated for 1999.

    Pay-as-you-go considerations: None.
    Estimated impact on State, local, and tribal governments: 
S. 607 contains no intergovernmental mandates as defined in 
UMRA. As is the case under current law, this bill would require 
that all funds provided under the geologic mapping program for 
grants to states be matched by an equal amount of state funds. 
All state expenditures for this purpose would be voluntary. 
This bill would have no other significant impact on the budgets 
of state, local, or tribal governments.
    Estimated impact on the private sector: This bill contains 
no new private-sector mandates as defined in UMRA.
    Estimate prepared by: Federal costs: Gary Brown; Impact on 
State, local, and tribal governments: Marjorie Miller.
    Estimate approved by: 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 S. 607.
    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 administering 
the program. Therefore, there would be no impact on personal 
privacy.
    Little, if any, additional paperwork would result from the 
enactment of S. 607, as ordered reported.

                        Executive Communications

    On April 16, 1999, the Committee on Energy and Natural 
Resources requested legislative reports from the Department of 
the Interior and the Office of Management and Budget setting 
forth Executive agency recommendations on S. 607. These reports 
had not been received at the time the report on S. 607 was 
filed. When the reports became available, the Chairman will 
request that they be printed in the Congressional Record for 
the advice of the Senate. The testimony provided by the United 
States Geological Survey at the Subcommittee hearing follows:

Statement of P. Patrick Leahy, Chief Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, 
                       Department of the Interior

    Mister Chairman, I am pleased to be here today to express 
the Administration's support for S. 607, a bill to reauthorize 
the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992.
    I would like to begin by emphasizing the close coordination 
and agreement between the USGS and the Association of American 
State Geologists (AASG) on this reauthorization bill and on 
geologic mapping in general. The bill was reviewed by the 
Federal Advisory Committee for the National Cooperative 
Geologic Mapping Program in April of 1998 and we have been in 
close and frequent communication with the AASG on all aspects 
of the bill since that time.
    The principal changes in this reauthorization bill are: 
First, an increase from approximately 20% to 48% of new funds 
that will be made available for matching-funds grants to State 
geological surveys, and second, an increase in the 
authorization levels. These changes are the result of an 
increased demand for geologic maps and a renewed emphasis by 
the USGS on one of our most basic mission responsibilities: 
producing objective and authorative geologic maps and 
information systems, and represent an increased capacity of the 
States to provide matching funds. The authorization levels 
contained in the bill are not assumed in the Administration's 
current outyear funding levels and represent a significant 
challenge in terms of acquiring, in the years to come, the 
necessary resources through the Administration and 
Congressional budget and appropriations process.
    At recent public forums in Alaska, California, Indiana, 
Ohio, and Virginia, and in opinion surveys conducted by State 
geological surveys, we have heard a consistent message--more 
geologic mapping is needed, and geologic mapping is considered 
as a principal strength and responsibility of the USGS and our 
State partners. In response, the President's FY 2000 budget 
proposes an increase of approximately 8% in funding for the 
Geologic Mapping Program
    With the development of digital mapping technology, 
geologic mapping is experiencing a renaissance in its use and 
applicability. We anticipate increased demand for digital 
geologic maps in the future. The reason for this growth is 
simple, geologic maps are increasingly needed to bring together 
and interpret information about the Earth. Geologic maps are 
used by land, water, and natural resource managers at the 
Federal, State and local levels of government and by the 
private-sector to achieve the most efficient use of Earth 
resources in a way that is at once both sustainable and 
economically viable.
    Economic growth is driven largely by access to the Earth's 
resources. Geologic maps provide the spatial framework to 
locate 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 and fertilizer. They also 
constitute the framework to locate and to monitor the 
cleanliness and availability of our ground-water resources.
    To the extent possible, humans must be safe from natural 
hazards. Although hazardous events such as earthquakes, 
volcanic eruptions, landslides and floods cannot be stopped, 
recognizing and planning for these dangers significantly 
reduces the damages and costs of disasters. Identifying the 
location of hazardous areas on maps allows land managers, 
industry, and the public to predict potential losses, and 
develop strategies to minimize these losses. Geologic mapping 
is the principal means for discovering and recording areas that 
will be affected by natural hazards and geologic maps and 
Geographic Information Systems are the principal means for 
communicating the dangers and risks.
    Unlike topographic maps, which show the elevation of the 
earth's surface and can increasingly be produced using remote 
sensing methods, geologic maps display the array of different 
types of soils, sediments, and rocks that are present at and 
below the surface of the Earth. Advances in computer technology 
and the development of Geographic Information Systems permit 
map users to display and analyze map information in three 
dimensions. This new ability to visualize geologic map 
information allows non-geologists to understand and use 
geologic maps more readily, which has further increased demand.
    The geologic map has been a keystone product of the U.S. 
Geological Survey through its 120-year history. As reflected in 
the President's FY 2000 budget proposal, the USGS is again 
making geologic mapping a high priority. The Geologic Mapping 
Act of 1992 anticipated the increased demand for geologic 
mapping, and the reauthorization bill before this Committee 
will assist USGS and our partners in the States and 
Universities in responding.
    To meet the need for new maps, our response must be 
coordinated with both those who use geologic maps and those who 
produce them. The broadest range of skateholders must determine 
what information is needed so that our mapping efforts are well 
targeted. All of those who prepared geologic maps, from the 
U.S. Geological Survey to State geological surveys and the 
academic community, must work cooperatively to maximize each 
other's strengths and to avoid duplication. It is in this 
cooperative spirit that the National Geologic Mapping Act was 
written and under which the National Cooperative Geologic 
Mapping program was built.


             national cooperative geologic mapping program


    The National Cooperative Geologic Mapping (NCGM) Program 
was established by the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992. 
Through involvement with private industry, policy makers, and 
the public, the program seeks to ensure that mapping efforts 
are focused on priority areas. The program uses stakeholder 
input to determine what formats are most needed as new geologic 
maps are being produced in digital formats and indexed for 
delivery on the Internet.
    The NCGM Program has been designed so that the Nation will 
have the accurate geologic maps needed to address tomorrow's 
problems. To this end, the following goals are being pursued:
           Continued enhancement of outreach to 
        stakeholders ensures that our maps address societal 
        priorities and are produced at appropriate scales and 
        in forms that are easily accessible and usable. For 
        example, on February 24, 1999, the NCGMP participated 
        in three separate public stakeholder meetings to 
        discuss the availability and quality of water resources 
        in New Mexico, the value of 3-dimensional earth science 
        information for the Great Lakes Region, and the 
        mitigation of geologic hazards in the Pacific 
        Northwest. The net effect of this enhanced outreach is 
        the design of geologic mapping projects that address 
        high-priority issues and the incorporation of local and 
        regional priorities into a national agenda for geologic 
        mapping.
           Expanded cooperative mapping with the State 
        geologic surveys and academic institutions, and 
        expanded cooperation with other Federal agencies, and 
        private-sector firms to enhance the usefulness of map 
        information and data.
           Development of metadata (data about data) 
        for the National Geologic Map database and development 
        of standards and data models to make geologic maps 
        accessible through the Internet.
    The NCGMP supports the Mapping Act through three main 
components FEDMAP, STATEMAP, and EDMAP. Since its authorization 
by the National Geologic Mapping Act in 1992, the Geologic 
Mapping Program has worked with the States and Universities of 
the nation to produce more than 4,000 new maps and related 
scientific reports for high-priority areas in virtually every 
state of the Union. However, the job is far from complete. The 
7.5 minute-geologic quadrangle map is the common denominator 
for Federal and State mapping, and this scale of work is widely 
accepted as the starting point for more detailed site-specific 
studies conducted by private industry. However, there are more 
than 50,000 such quadrangles across the nation, and high-
priority areas must be re-mapped periodically to incorporate 
new scientific concepts, new technology, and new demands from 
the public. For example, most of the geologic mapping in the 
upper Midwest was done more than 80 years ago, less than 2% is 
available at the 7.5 minute quadrangle scale, and an even 
smaller fraction is available in modern digital formats.
    Early generations of geologic mapping were focused on 
locating mineral resources. This remains a focus in many areas 
of the country. However, the missions of the Federal and State 
geological surveys and the needs for geologic maps have 
expanded. For example, we are now making three-dimensional 
geologic maps to meet the needs of a nation that is 
increasingly turning to ground water for drinking, 
agricultural, and industrial uses.
    The Federal-mapping component (FEDMAP) currently consists 
of 18 regional geologic mapping and synthesis projects. 
Government and private-sector clients and cooperators are 
involved in planning new FEDMAP projects. The NCGMP has 
increased interactions with other USGS programs and with State 
survey partners during the last four years in order to share 
expertise, leverage financial resources, and to respond 
directly to customer needs. Due to this change, the scientific 
emphasis of the program has shifted to issues that increasingly 
affect society and human health such as:
          Discovery and protection of ground water
          Identification and mitigation of natural hazards
          Assessment of our nation's mineral and energy 
        resources
          Establishment of scientific baselines for 
        environmental restoration
          Land resource assessment in support of infrastructure 
        needs
    The State mapping component, STATEMAP, awarded 3.8 million 
dollars to 45 states in FY 1999, a record number, and every 
Federal dollar was matched by a State dollar. The awards will 
fund more than 150 geologic mapping projects. State Mapping 
Advisory Committees met in all forty-five states during 1998 to 
help the Mapping Program prioritize geologic mapping needs. 
Over 500 individuals from Federal, State, and local government, 
academia, industry, and geoscience consulting firms, 
participated in these meetings. In addition, where the 
priorities of FEDMAP, STATEMAP, and EDMAP geologic mapping 
projects align well, regional coalitions have formed and 
resources are leveraged to maximize efficiency and benefit to 
the public.
    The university-mapping component, EDMAP, is the matching-
funds educational program with universities to train a new 
generation of geologic mappers. In FY 1999 EDMAP awarded 
approximately 380 thousand dollars to 70 geology students at 41 
universities and colleges. Again, each Federal dollar was 
matched. Our effort to help geologic mappers has grown stronger 
each year. This year's proposals showed that the students and 
their faculty advisors are working more closely with mapping 
projects at State geological surveys and the USGS. Student 
mapping is tied more directly to societal needs than in the 
past, and more of these maps are being published by state 
geological surveys.


                     national geologic map database


    All three components of the National Cooperative Geologic 
Mapping Program contribute to the construction of the National 
Geologic Map Database. The initial phase of the database is an 
Internet-based catalog of printed geologic maps. The index is 
available on the Internet at http://ngmdb.usgs.gov and is being 
populated with metadata (approximately 55% of USGS holdings are 
completed as of April, 1999). The second phase of the project 
is underway to adopt standards for GIS use and to provide 
access and delivery of digital geologic map data on the 
Internet. This is an area of continued emphasis in FY 1999 and 
increased effort in FY 2000. 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 digital geologic map information can be accessed, 
exchanged, and compared efficiently as part of the National 
Spatial Data Infrastructure.


                          federal partnerships


    The geologic mapping program is developing cooperative 
relationships with 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 bureaus. The geologic mapping program has 
responded by working with NPS 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. This cooperative program has continued each 
year since 1995. NPS-identified priorities are merged with USGS 
capabilities in FEDMAP projects that create geologic maps and 
related interpretative products to serve the 180 million annual 
visitors to our Nation's parks.
    We are currently conducting geologic mapping projects in 
partnership with NPS at more than a dozen Parks. For example, 
at Death Valley National Park in California, we are partnering 
with NPS, the Department of Energy, and Nye County by making 
geologic maps as the three-dimensional framework for modeling 
the ground-water system that originates in central Nevada, 
flows under the Nevada Test Site and terminates in Death 
Valley. In Shenandoah and Great Smokies National Parks we are 
making geologic maps that show the widespread distribution of 
landslide hazards and the impacts of landslides on mountain 
stream habitats for trout. And at a variety of Parklands across 
the Nation we are making geologic maps to assist the NPS 
explain the geologic treasures of the Parks to a curious and 
appreciative public.


                 examples of geologic mapping projects


    I would like to cite a series of our geologic mapping 
projects on a State-by-state basis and give a brief description 
of the reasons for the mapping in each case. Because this is a 
national program, with projects in virtually every state, it is 
a simple matter to select examples that may have particular 
meaning to the membership of this Committee.
    Alaska: A new STATEMAP geologic mapping project in the 
North Slope region relates the well-known geology of Prudhoe 
Bay with new frontier areas farther inland. This work was 
prioritized by Alaska's State Mapping Advisory Committee as a 
means to stimulate inland exploration efforts.
    Idaho: STATEMAP projects in western Idaho near Coeur 
d'Alene are mapping a major aquifer that is the sole source of 
water for over 400,000 people. EDMAP projects in Idaho support 
7 students at Boise State University and Idaho State 
University.
    Oregon: A FEDMAP project is mapping the earthquake-prone 
urban corridor of western Oregon and Washington. The project 
locates earthquake faults and defines areas that are 
susceptible to liquefaction, ground failure, and damage during 
earthquakes. Availability of ground water, forest health, and 
seismic and landslide hazards are principal issues addressed by 
STATEMAP projects in Klamath Falls, the upper Grand Ronde 
Basin, and the central Willamette Valley. An EDMAP project at 
Portland State University is investigating surface and 
subsurface water interaction in the upper Williamson River.
    Montana: A FEDMAP project in Montana is contributing to the 
new State Geologic Map being compiled by the State geological 
survey and is contributing geologic information to address 
ground water resources and hazard issues in the Helena basin. A 
STATEMAP project is mapping large areas of central and western 
parts of the State, particularly in high-priority areas for 
Montana's Groundwater Characterization Program. Issues 
addressed include liquid-waste disposal in the Bitterroot 
Valley, and controls on groundwater resources in the upper 
Yellowstone Valley. New Mexico: A joint FEDMAP-STATEMENT-EDMAP 
geologic mapping project with the New Mexico Bureau of Mines 
and Mineral Resources, two New Mexico Universities and the USGS 
Water Resources Division is developing an improved three-
dimensional geologic map and ground-water flow model for the 
Middle Rio Grande Basin. The project works closely with the New 
Mexico Office of the State Engineer and the City of 
Albuquerque, who need an improved model to evaluate critical 
ground-water resources in the basin and to improve forecasts of 
the impacts of future ground-water use.
    Wyoming: Geologic mapping of the Lander/Riverton area is 
underway by our STATEMAP project. This area was targeted for 
increased emphasis by the Wyoming Business Council to promote 
economic development. Geologic mapping is also being done in a 
number of areas where EPA and the Wyoming Geological Survey are 
studying aquifer vulnerability to contamination from 
pesticides.
    Arizona: STATEMAP geologic mapping is directed at the 
Phoenix-Tucson corridor where 80% of the state's population 
resides. Due to the massive scale and rapid pace of growth, 
intense pressures are being placed on water resources. Land 
subsidence related to ground water withdrawal is one of the 
critical issues addressed by this detailed mapping.
    Colorado: STATEMAP funds support geologic mapping in the 
Colorado Springs and Idaho Springs, areas where areas of 
geologic hazards such as landslides, rockfalls, swelling soils, 
and subsidence over underground mines are being mapped. Our 
FEDMAP project and the Colorado Geological Survey are 
evaluating landslide subsidence and infrastructure resources 
along the developing I-70 and Front Range corridors, and 
assessing sources for salt in the Colorado River.
    California: FEDMAP and STATEMAP efforts are defining the 
structure and history of the San Andreas Fault system and its 
relation to earthquake hazards in the Los Angeles and San 
Francisco Bay areas. Detailed geologic maps produced by these 
efforts help to define seismic hazard zones, enabling local 
governments to plan accordingly. FEDMAP projects are also 
mapping ground-water basins in three-dimensions to support the 
water resource needs of the populous desert region of the 
state.
    Louisiana: Our STATEMAP project supports geologic mapping 
of the Baton Rouge area where a detailed knowledge of active 
faults is necessary to protect critical aquifers from 
contamination and to aid in siting of solid-waste repositories. 
FEDMAP projects in Louisiana supported the training of three 
students of Centenary College of Louisiana and the University 
of New Orleans.
    South Dakota: Our FEDMAP project is assisting the National 
Park Service evaluate cave resources in Jewell Cave National 
Monument and Wind Cave National Park, where only 5% of the cave 
passages are known. Geologic mapping helps locate undiscovered 
cave passages, as the distribution of impermeable rock above 
the cave-bearing formations controls the access of ground-water 
and therefore the location of the caves. Our FEDMAP projects 
are training two students to map areas in the northern Black 
Hills near Spearfish.
    Arkansas: Our STATEMAP projects are mapping in southwest 
Arkansas, a prospective area for diamond mining and aquifer 
recharge, and an area where over 150 confined animal-waste-
disposal sites are located. Our FEDMAP project in Arkansas is 
making geologic maps to better understand the pathways and 
quality of water that flows through underground caves and 
springs in the Buffalo River National Scenic Riverway.
    Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan: The Great Lakes 
Geologic Mapping Coalition is a new partnership between the 
USGS and the State Surveys of Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and 
Michigan to produce a new generation of geologic maps and 
three-dimensional maps of the glacial deposits that blanket the 
region. The Coalition formed to address the highest-priority 
earth science needs that were identified by public and private-
sector representatives at public forums on geologic mapping in 
Indianapolis, Indiana (1997) and Columbus, Ohio (1999). Mapping 
is planned to evaluate ground-water quality and quantity, sand 
and gravel resources, to mitigation landslide and other natural 
hazards, and as the geologic framework to evaluate economic 
development and natural resource issues.


                               conclusion


    Mister 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 attention on the 
Nation's need for a new generation of high-quality geologic 
maps. The Administration supports reauthorization and urges 
bipartisan support for this legislation. Thank you, Mister 
Chairman for the opportunity to express the views of the U.S. 
Geological Survey on the benefits of the 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, changes in existing law made by 
the bill S. 607, 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 REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    (a) Findings.--The Congress finds and declares that
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (7) geologic maps have proven indispensable in the 
        search for needed fossil-fuel and mineral resources; 
        [and]
          (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
          [(8)] (10) a comprehensive nationwide program of 
        geologic mapping of surficial and bedrock deposits is 
        required in order to systematically build the Nation's 
        geologic-map data base at a pace that responds to 
        increasing demand.
    (b) Purpose.--* * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

    (1) Advisory Committee * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (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).
    [(4)] (6) Geologic Mapping Program
    The term ``geologic mapping program'' means the National 
Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program established by section 
4(a) of this title.
    [(5)] (7) Secretary
    The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior.
    [(6)] (8) State
    The term ``State'' includes the District of Columbia, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
    (9) State Component
    The term ``State component'' means the State component of 
the geologic mapping program described in section 6(d)(2).
    [(7)] (10) Survey
    The term ``Survey'' means the United States Geological 
Survey.

SEC. 4. GEOLOGIC MAPPING PROGRAM.

    (a) Establishment.--* * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (b) Responsibility of the Survey.--
          (1) Lead agency.--The survey shall be the lead 
        Federal agency responsible for planning, developing 
        [priorities] national priorities and standards for, 
        coordinating, and managing the geologic mapping 
        program. In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary, 
        acting through the Director, shall--
                  (A) [develop a geologic mapping program 
                implementation plan] develop a 5-year strategic 
                plan for the geologic mapping program in 
                accordance with section 6, which plan shall be 
                submitted to the Committee on Resources of the 
                House of Representatives and to the Committee 
                on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate 
                [within 300 days after the enactment of the 
                National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act 
                of 1997] not later than 1 year after the date 
                of enactment of the National Geologic Mapping 
                Reauthorization Act of 1999;
                  (B) appoint, with the advice and consultation 
                of the Association, the advisory committee 
                [within 90 days after the date of enactment of 
                the National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization 
                Act of 1997] not later than 1 year after the 
                enactment of the National Geologic Mapping 
                Reauthorization Act of 1999 in accordance with 
                section 5; and
                  (C) [within 210 days after the date of 
                enactment of the National Geologic Mapping 
                Reauthorization Act of 1997] not later than 3 
                years after the enactment of the National 
                Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1999, 
                and biennially thereafter, submit a report to 
                the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 
                of the United States Senate and to the 
                Committee of Resources of the House of 
                Representatives identifying--
                          (i) how the Survey and the 
                        Association [will coordinate] are 
                        coordinating the development and 
                        implementation of the geologic mapping 
                        program;
                          (ii) how the Survey and the 
                        Association [will establish] 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] 
                        affect successful implementation of the 
                        geologic mapping program.
          (2) Responsibility of the Secretary * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    [(d) Program Components.--The geologic mapping program 
shall include the following components:
          [(1) 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) 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;
                  [(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) 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) the objective 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 filed 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.
                  [(C) Federal funding for which shall be 
                matched by non-Federal sources on a 1-to-1 
                basis.]
    (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, 
                                geochronologic, 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 sure use more than 15.25 percent of the 
                Federal funds made available under 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.

    (a) Establishment * * *
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (3) Appointed Members.--Not later than [90 days after 
        the enactment of the National Geologic Mapping 
        Reauthorization Act of 1997] 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of the National Geologic Mapping 
        Reauthorization Act of 1999 in consultation with the 
        Association, the secretary shall appoint to the 
        advisory committee two representatives from the Survey 
        (including the Chief Geologist, as Chairman), two 
        representatives from the State geological surveys, one 
        representative from academia, and one representative 
        from the private sector.
    (b) Duties.--The advisory committee shall
          (1) review and [critique the draft implementation 
        plan] update the 5-year plan prepared by the Director 
        pursuant to section 6.
          (2) review the scientific progress of the geologic 
        mapping program; and
          (3) submit an annual report to the Secretary that 
        evaluates the progress of the Federal and State mapping 
        activities and evaluates the progress made toward 
        fulfilling the purposes of [this Act] sections 4 
        through 7.

[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 geologic mapping program 
        that meets Federal needs while simultaneously fostering 
        State needs;
          [(2) the responsibilities accruing to the State 
        geological surveys, with particular emphasis on 
        mechanisms that incorporate their needs, missions, 
        capabilities, and requirements into the nationwide 
        geologic mapping program;
          [(3) mechanisms for identifying short- and long-term 
        priorities for each component of the geologic mapping 
        program, including--
                  [(A) for the Federal geologic mapping 
                component, a priority-setting mechanism that 
                responds both to
                          [(i) Federal mission requirements for 
                        geologic-map information, and
                          [(ii) critical scientific problems 
                        that require geologic-map control for 
                        their resolution;
                  [(B) for the geologic mapping support 
                component, a strong interdisciplinary research 
                program plan in isotopic and paleontologic 
                geochronology, geophysical mapping, and process 
                studies to provide data to and interpret 
                results from geologic mapping;
                  [(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 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
          [(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. 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 DATA BASE.

    [(a) Establishment--The Survey shall establish a national 
geologic-map data base. Such data 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.]

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.
    (b) Standardization.--* * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 8. BIENNIAL REPORT.

    [The Secretary shall, within 90 days after the end of each 
fiscal year, submit an annual report to the Committee on 
Interior and Insular Affairs 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 achieved during 
the 2 preceding fiscal years 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 
purposes of this Act.]

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.

    [(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
to carry out the national cooperative geologic mapping program 
under this act--
          [(1) $26,000,000 for fiscal year 1998;
          [(2) $28,000,000 for fiscal year 1999; and
          [(3) $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 1999--
                  [(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--
                          [(ii) 25 percent shall be allocated 
                        for State mapping activities; and
                          [(i) 73 percent shall be allocated 
                        for Federal mapping and support mapping 
                        activities;
                          [(iii) 2 percent shall be allocated 
                        for educational mapping activities.]

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.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                                  
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