[House Report 115-515]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



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115th Congress    }                                 {         Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session       }                                 {         115-515
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           NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAPPING ACT REAUTHORIZATION ACT

                                _______
                                

January 12, 2018.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

Mr. Bishop of Utah, from the Committee on Natural Resources, submitted 
                             the following

                              R E P O R T

                        [To accompany H.R. 4033]

      [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

    The Committee on Natural Resources, to whom was referred 
the bill (H.R. 4033) to reauthorize the National Geologic 
Mapping Act of 1992, having considered the same, report 
favorably thereon without amendment and recommend that the bill 
do pass.

                          Purpose of the Bill

    The purpose of H.R. 4033 is to reauthorize the National 
Geologic Mapping Act of 1992.

                  Background and Need for Legislation

    The Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 established the National 
Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP).\1\ This program 
was designed to foster cooperation and coordination between the 
United States Geological Survey and the State Geologic Surveys 
in generating modern, detailed, digitized, geologic maps in a 
cost effective and efficient manner. These maps are intended to 
foster resource development, environmental protection, and 
identification and mitigation of natural hazards. Geologic maps 
are records of the nature and distribution of rocks and soils, 
water, energy and mineral resources both on the surface and 
subsurface. There are three subcomponents to the NCGMP: 
FEDMAP--A federal mapping effort by the U.S. Geological Survey; 
STATEMAP--A state mapping effort by State Geologic Surveys; and 
EDMAP--University programs that support geologic mapping 
projects for undergraduate and graduate students.\2\
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    \1\43 U.S.C. 31.
    \2\U.S. Geological Survey, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping 
Program, https://ncgmp.usgs.gov/about/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Funds for projects through the STATEMAP and EDMAP 
subprograms are matched one to one by State dollars and are 
selected through a competitive process. Each State has an 
advisory committee made up of the end-users of the geologic 
maps produced.\3\ These may include representatives from county 
health departments, State environmental agencies, federal 
agencies and the private sector. This ensures that areas with 
the highest priority and need are selected for mapping 
projects.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \3\U.S. Geological Survey, State Mapping Funding, https://
ncgmp.usgs.gov/about/STATEMAP/funding.html.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Each program has a review panel which provides oversight on 
the effectiveness and efficiency of the projects funded. 
Representatives from federal agencies, State Surveys and the 
private sector serve on the Federal Advisory Committee for the 
NCGMP.
    More than 8,500 new geologic maps have been produced 
through this cooperative program. On average 350 new maps and 
reports are produced each year. To date 49 States and Puerto 
Rico have participated in this program, producing geologic maps 
that are available for approximately 53% of the U.S.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \4\U.S. Department of the Interior 2017/2018 Annual Performance 
Plan and 2016 Report, May 26, 2017, https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/
files/uploads/doi_appr_05262017_final.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Another important requirement of the Geologic Mapping Act 
of 1992 was the establishment of the National Geologic 
Database. One of the components of this database is a catalog 
that has information on most of the geologic maps ever produced 
in the U.S., which amounts to more than 100,000 products.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \5\The National Geologic Map Database Catalog, https://
ngmdb.usgs.gov/ngmdb/ngmdb_home.html.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    These geologic maps provide valuable information needed for 
identifying energy, mineral and water resources, geologic and 
environmental hazards such as active faults and seismic areas, 
unstable ground subject to landslides, swelling soils, 
floodplains and abandoned mine lands. Understanding the sub-
surface geology and soil profiles can facilitate better 
planning for septic systems in rural areas, water treatment 
facilities, road construction and maintenance, home 
construction and other infrastructure needs.
    Funds expended in this program reap significant benefits. 
An assessment of the economic benefits of detailed geologic 
mapping in Kentucky commissioned by the State Geological 
Surveys of Kentucky and Illinois estimated that the economic 
return to Kentucky was 25 to 39 times the cost of the 
program.\6\ The geologic maps in Kentucky benefited many end 
users including city planners, coal and other mineral resource 
developers, and water users. In Ohio, developers and engineers 
who used geologic maps save on average $50,000 on each 
project.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \6\Bhagwat, S. B., and V. C. Ipe, 2000, Economic benefits of 
detailed geologic mapping to Kentucky: Illinois State Geological 
Survey, Special Report 3, p. 39.
    \7\Kleinhenz and Associates, 2011, An Economic Impact Analysis of 
the Ohio Geological Survey's Products and Services, Ohio Geological 
Survey, p. 29.
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    H.R. 4033 reauthorizes the National Geologic Mapping Act 
through 2023 and keeps authorization levels equal to the 2005 
level at $64,000,000 per fiscal year. The authorization of 
appropriations for the NCGMP will expire in 2018.

                      Section-by-Section Analysis


Section 1--Short title

    The short title of the bill is the ``National Geologic 
Mapping Act Reauthorization Act''.

Section 2--Reauthorization of National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992

    This section extends the authorization for the National 
Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program through 2023. It also 
replaces the Associate Director for Geology at the United 
States Geological Survey (USGS) with the Associate Director for 
Core Science Systems at USGS on the Geologic Mapping Advisory 
Committee.

                            Committee Action

    H.R. 4033 was introduced on October 12, 2017, by 
Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-CO). The bill was referred to the 
Committee on Natural Resources, and within the Committee to the 
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. The Subcommittee 
held a hearing on the bill on November 30, 2017. On December 
12, 2017, the Natural Resources Committee met to consider the 
bill. The Subcommittee was discharged by unanimous consent. No 
amendments were offered, and the bill was ordered favorably 
reported to the House of Representatives by unanimous consent 
on December 13, 2017.

            Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations

    Regarding clause 2(b)(1) of rule X and clause 3(c)(1) of 
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the 
Committee on Natural Resources' oversight findings and 
recommendations are reflected in the body of this report.

      Compliance With House Rule XIII and Congressional Budget Act

    1. Cost of Legislation and the Congressional Budget Act. 
With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) and (3) of 
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and 
sections 308(a) and 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 
1974, the Committee has received the following estimate for the 
bill from the Director of the Congressional Budget Office:

                                     U.S. Congress,
                               Congressional Budget Office,
                                  Washington, DC, January 11, 2018.
Hon. Rob Bishop,
Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has 
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4033, the National 
Geologic Mapping Act Reauthorization Act.
    If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be 
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Robert Reese.
            Sincerely,
                                                Keith Hall,
                                                          Director.
    Enclosure.

H.R. 4033--National Geologic Mapping Act Reauthorization Act

    Summary: H.R. 4033 would authorize the annual appropriation 
of $64 million through 2023 to carry out the National 
Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP). Under current 
law, $64 million is authorized to be appropriated each year for 
the NCGMP through 2018.
    Assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts, CBO 
estimates that implementing H.R. 4033 would cost $246 million 
over the 2018-2022 period. Enacting the bill would not affect 
direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go 
procedures do not apply.
    CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 4033 would not increase 
net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four 
consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028.
    H.R. 4033 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector 
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA).
    Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated 
budgetary effect of H.R. 4033 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--
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
                                                                2018    2019    2020    2021    2022   2018-2022
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 INCREASES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
 
Authorization Level..........................................       0      64      64      64      64        256
Estimated Outlays............................................       0      58      61      63      64        246
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that the 
legislation will be enacted near the beginning of calendar year 
2018 and that the authorized amounts will be appropriated for 
each fiscal year. Estimated outlays are based on historical 
spending patterns.
    The NCGMP is carried out jointly by the U.S. Geological 
Survey and state geological authorities. Under this program, 
federal and state geologists are developing a comprehensive 
geological map of the United States and a related database of 
environmental and scientific information. Under current law, 
$64 million is authorized annually through 2018 to carry out 
the NCGMIP; in 2017, $24 million was allocated for that 
program. H.R. 4033 would extend the $64 million annual 
authorization of appropriation through 2023. CBO estimates that 
implementing H.R. 4033 would cost $246 million over the 2018-
2022 period and $74 million in years after 2022.
    Pay-As-You-Go Considerations: None.
    Increase in long-term direct spending and deficits: CBO 
estimates that enacting H.R. 4033 would not increase net direct 
spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 
10-year periods beginning in 2028.
    Mandates: H.R. 4033 contains no intergovernmental or 
private-sector mandates as defined in UMRA.
    Estimate prepared by: Federal costs: Robert Reese; 
Mandates: Zach Byrum.
    Estimate approved by: H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant 
Director for Budget Analysis.
    2. General Performance Goals and Objectives. As required by 
clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII, the general performance goal or 
objective of this bill is to reauthorize the National Geologic 
Mapping Act of 1992.

                           Earmark Statement

    This bill does not contain any Congressional earmarks, 
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined 
under clause 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives.

                    Compliance With Public Law 104-4

    This bill contains no unfunded mandates.

                       Compliance With H. Res. 5

    Directed Rule Making. This bill does not contain any 
directed rule makings.
    Duplication of Existing Programs. This bill does not 
establish or reauthorize a program of the federal government 
known to be duplicative of another program. Such program was 
not included in any report from the Government Accountability 
Office to Congress pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139 
or identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance published pursuant to the Federal Program 
Information Act (Public Law 95-220, as amended by Public Law 
98-169) as relating to other programs.

                Preemption of State, Local or Tribal Law

    This bill is not intended to preempt any State, local or 
tribal law.

         Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

  In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
matter is printed in italic, and existing law in which no 
change is proposed is shown in roman):

                 NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAPPING ACT OF 1992




           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

   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.
          (3) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the 
        Director of the United States Geological Survey.
          (4) Education component.--The term ``education 
        component'' means the education component of the 
        geologic mapping program described in [section 6(d)(3)] 
        section 4(d)(3).
          (5) Federal component.--The term ``Federal 
        component'' means the Federal component of the geologic 
        mapping program described in [section 6(d)(1)] section 
        4(d)(1).
          (6) Geologic mapping program.--The term ``geologic 
        mapping program'' means the National Cooperative 
        Geologic Mapping Program established by section 4(a).
          (7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the 
        Secretary of the Interior.
          (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)] section 4(d)(2).
          (10) Survey.--The term ``Survey'' means the United 
        States Geological Survey.

SEC. 4. GEOLOGIC MAPPING PROGRAM.

  (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) 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 the Survey.--
          (1) Lead agency.--The Survey shall be the lead 
        Federal agency responsible for planning, developing 
        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 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 the Committee on Energy and 
                Natural Resources of the Senate not later than 
                1 year after the date of enactment of the 
                [Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009] 
                National Geologic Mapping Act Reauthorization 
                Act;
                  (B) appoint, with the advice and consultation 
                of the Association, the advisory committee not 
                later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
                of the [Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 
                2009] National Geologic Mapping Act 
                Reauthorization Act in accordance with section 
                5; and
                  (C) submit biennially a report to the 
                Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of 
                the United States Senate and to the Committee 
                on Resources of the House of Representatives 
                identifying--
                          (i) how the Survey and the 
                        Association are coordinating the 
                        development and implementation of the 
                        geologic mapping program;
                          (ii) how the Survey and the 
                        Association 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 affect 
                        successful implementation of the 
                        geologic mapping program.
          (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 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 
        geochronologic and paleontologic data base that 
        provides value-added descriptive and 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 of the role and 
        application of geologic-map information to the 
        resolution of national issues of land use management.
  (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;
                                  (II) national requirements 
                                for geologic map information in 
                                areas where mapping is required 
                                to solve critical earth science 
                                problems; and
                                  (III) the needs of land 
                                management agencies of the 
                                Department of the Interior.
                  (C) Interdisciplinary studies.--
                          (i) In general.--The Federal 
                        component shall include 
                        interdisciplinary studies that add 
                        value to geologic mapping.
                          (ii) Representative categories.--
                        Interdisciplinary studies under clause 
                        (i) may include--
                                  (I) establishment of a 
                                national geologic map database 
                                under section 7;
                                  (II) studies that lead to the 
                                implementation of cost-
                                effective digital methods for 
                                the acquisition, compilation, 
                                analysis, cartographic 
                                production, and dissemination 
                                of geologic map information;
                                  (III) paleontologic, 
                                geochrono-logic, and isotopic 
                                investigations that provide 
                                information critical to 
                                understanding the age and 
                                history of geologic map units;
                                  (IV) geophysical 
                                investigations that assist in 
                                delineating and mapping the 
                                physical characteristics and 3-
                                dimensional distribution of 
                                geologic materials and geologic 
                                structures; and
                                  (V) geochemical 
                                investigations and analytical 
                                operations that characterize 
                                the composition of geologic map 
                                units.
                          (iii) Use of results.--The results of 
                        investigations under clause (ii) shall 
                        be contributed to national databases.
          (2) State component.--
                  (A) In general.--The geologic mapping program 
                shall include a State geologic mapping 
                component, the objective of which shall be to 
                establish the geologic framework of areas 
                determined to be vital to the economic, social, 
                environmental, or scientific welfare of 
                individual States.
                  (B) Mapping priorities.--For the State 
                component, mapping priorities--
                          (i) shall be determined by State 
                        panels representing a broad range of 
                        users of geologic maps; and
                          (ii) shall be based on--
                                  (I) State requirements for 
                                geologic map information in 
                                areas of multiple-issue need or 
                                areas of compelling single-
                                issue need; and
                                  (II) State requirements for 
                                geologic map information in 
                                areas where mapping is required 
                                to solve critical earth science 
                                problems.
                  (C) Integration of federal and state 
                priorities.--A national panel including 
                representatives of the Survey shall integrate 
                the State mapping priorities under this 
                paragraph with the Federal mapping priorities 
                under paragraph (1).
                  (D) Use of funds.--The Survey and recipients 
                of grants under the State component shall not 
                use more than 15.25 percent of the Federal 
                funds made available under the State component 
                for any fiscal year to pay indirect, servicing, 
                or program management charges.
                  (E) Federal share.--The Federal share of the 
                cost of activities under the State component 
                for any fiscal year shall not exceed 50 
                percent.
          (3) Education component.--
                  (A) In general.--The geologic mapping program 
                shall include a geologic mapping education 
                component for the training of geologic mappers, 
                the objectives of which shall be--
                          (i) to provide for broad education in 
                        geologic mapping and field analysis 
                        through support of field studies; and
                          (ii) to develop academic programs 
                        that teach students of earth science 
                        the fundamental principles of geologic 
                        mapping and field analysis.
                  (B) Investigations.--The education component 
                may include the conduct of investigations, 
                which--
                          (i) shall be integrated with the 
                        Federal component and the State 
                        component; and
                          (ii) shall respond to mapping 
                        priorities identified for the Federal 
                        component and the State component.
                  (C) Use of funds.--The Survey and recipients 
                of grants under the education component shall 
                not use more than 15.25 percent of the Federal 
                funds made available under 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) In general.--There shall be established a 11-
        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 the 
        Interior or a designee from a land management agency of 
        the Department of the Interior, the Secretary of Energy 
        or a designee, and the Secretary of Agriculture or a 
        designee.
          (3) Appointed members.--In consultation with the 
        Association, the Secretary shall appoint to the 
        advisory committee two representatives from the Survey 
        (including the [Associate Director for Geology] 
        Associate Director for Core Science Systems, as Chair), 
        two representatives from the State geological surveys, 
        one representative from academia, and 2 representatives 
        from the private sector.
  (b) Duties.--The advisory committee shall--
          (1) review and update the 5-year plan prepared by the 
        Director pursuant to section 6;
          (2) review the scientific progress of the geologic 
        mapping program;
          (3) provide a scientific overview of geologic maps 
        (including maps of geologic-based hazards) used or 
        disseminated by Federal agencies for regulation or 
        land-use planning; and
          (4) submit an annual report to the Secretary that 
        evaluates the progress of the Federal, State, and 
        university mapping activities and evaluates the 
        progress made toward fulfilling the purposes of 
        sections 4 through 7.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
carry out this Act $64,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 
through [2018] 2023.
  (b) Allocation of Appropriations.--Of any amounts 
appropriated for any fiscal year in excess of the amount 
appropriated for fiscal year 2005--
          (1) 50 percent shall be available for the State 
        component; and
          (2) 4 percent shall be available for the education 
        component.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


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