Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2018

Bill: 115-hr-7210
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9]
Introduced: 2018-11-30
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Emergency planning and evacuation

Geography and mapping

Government information and archives

Government studies and investigations

Natural disasters

Water use and supply
Latest action: action_date: 2018-12-13
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.

Summaries:
action_date: 2018-11-30
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><b>Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2018</b></p> <p>This bill directs the United States Geological Survey (USGS)&nbsp;to establish a program to</p> <ul> <li>study the short-term and long-term mechanisms that cause sinkholes, including extreme storm events, prolonged droughts causing shifts in water management practices, aquifer depletion, and other major changes in water use; and </li> <li>develop maps depicting the zones that are at greater risk of forming sinkholes. </li></ul> <p>The USGS&nbsp;must establish a public website that displays such maps and other relevant information that are critical for use by community planners and emergency managers. </p>

tv_txt: I 115th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 7210 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 30, 2018 Mr. Soto (for himself, Mr. Curbelo of Florida , Mr. Crist , and Mrs. Murphy of Florida ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources A BILL To direct the Director of the United States Geological Survey to establish a program to map zones that are at greater risk of sinkhole formation, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2018 . 2. Sinkhole hazard identification (a) In general The Director of the United States Geological Survey shall establish a program to— (1) study the short-term and long-term mechanisms that cause sinkholes, including extreme storm events, prolonged droughts causing shifts in water management practices, aquifer depletion, and other major changes in water use; and (2) develop maps that depict zones that are at greater risk of sinkhole formation. (b) Review of maps Once during each 5-year period, or more often as the Director of the United States Geological Survey determines is necessary, the Director shall assess the need to revise and update the maps developed under this section. (c) Website The Director of the United States Geological Survey shall establish and maintain a public website that displays the maps developed under this section and other relevant information critical for use by community planners and emergency managers.