79–006 

1 43 U.S.C. 31. 

115TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session 115–515 

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 

2 

2 U.S. Geological Survey, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, https:// 

ncgmp.usgs.gov/about/. 3 U.S. Geological Survey, State Mapping Funding, https://ncgmp.usgs.gov/about/ 

STATEMAP/funding.html. 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. 5The National Geologic Map Database Catalog, https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ngmdb/ 

ngmdb_home.html. 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. 7Kleinhenz and Associates, 2011, An Economic Impact Analysis of the Ohio Geological Survey’s Products and Services, Ohio Geological Survey, p. 29. 

that support geologic mapping projects for undergraduate and 

graduate students.2

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. 

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

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

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

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. 

3 

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. 

4 

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 spendVerDate Sep 11 2014 04:17 Jan 13, 2018 Jkt 079006 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR515.XXX HR515
5 

ing or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. 

Mandates: H.R. 4033 contains no intergovernmental or privatesector 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. 

6 

(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 øsection 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 øsection 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 øsection 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 øOmnibus 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 øOmnibus Public Land 

7 

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— 

8 

(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 

9 

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 øAssociate 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— 

10 

(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 

ø2018¿ 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. 

* * * * * * * 

Æ