---
kind: "range"
citation: "43 U.S.C. §§ 1–40"
title: "43"
from: "1"
to: "40"
count: 50
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/43/1..40"
---

# [§1. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 632 — repealed]



# §2. Duties concerning public lands


The [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior or such officer as he may designate shall perform all executive duties appertaining to the surveying and sale of the [public lands](/usc/43/155.md?p=1) of the United States, or in anywise respecting such [public lands](/usc/43/155.md?p=1), and, also, such as relate to private claims of land, and the issuing of patents for all grants of land under the authority of the Government.


# [§3. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 632, 636 — repealed]



# [§3a. Omitted — omitted]



# [§4. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 632, 641 — repealed]



# [§5. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 632, 641 — repealed]



# §6. Duties of employees to certify, record, etc., patents


It shall be the duty of such officers or employees of the Bureau of Land Management as may be designated by the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior, in pursuance of instructions from the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior or such officer as he may designate, to certify and affix the seal of the office to all patents for [public lands](/usc/43/155.md?p=1), and to attend to the correct engrossing, recording, and transmission of such patents. They shall prepare alphabetical indexes of the names of patentees, and of persons entitled to patents; and shall prepare such copies and exemplifications of matters on file or recorded in the Bureau of Land Management as the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) or such officer may from time to time direct.


# [§7. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 632, 641 — repealed]



# [§8. Omitted — omitted]



# [§9. Repealed. June 17, 1948, ch. 496, § 2(b), 62 Stat. 476 — repealed]



# [§10. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 632, 645 — repealed]



# §11. Restriction on officers, clerks, and employees


The officers, clerks, and employees in the Bureau of Land Management are prohibited from directly or indirectly purchasing or becoming interested in the purchase of any of the [public land](/usc/43/1748c.md?p=a-3); and any person who violates this section shall forthwith be removed from his office.


# §12. Seal, books, and records


The [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior or such officer as he may designate shall retain the charge of the seal adopted for the Bureau of Land Management which may continue to be used, and of the records, books, papers, and other property appertaining to the Bureau of Land Management.


# §13. Original papers on file as evidence


Whenever the officer, as the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior may designate, of any United States land office shall be served with a subpoena duces tecum or other valid legal process requiring him to produce, in any United States court or in any court of record of any [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8), the original application for entry of [public lands](/usc/43/155.md?p=1) or the final proof of residence and cultivation or any other original papers on file in the Bureau of Land Management of the United States on which a patent to land has been issued or which furnish the basis for such patent, it shall be the duty of such officer to at once notify the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior, or such officer as he may designate, of the service of such process, specifying the particular papers he is required to produce, and upon receipt of such notice from any such officer of a United States land office the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) or such officer designated by him shall at once transmit to the officer of such land office the original papers specified in such notice, and which such officer is required to produce, and to attach to such papers a certificate, under seal of his office, properly authenticating them as the original papers upon which patent was issued; and such papers so authenticated shall be received in evidence in all courts of the United States and in the several [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) courts of the [States](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) of the Union: Provided, That the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior shall make rules and regulations to secure the return of such documents to the Bureau of Land Management, after use in evidence, without cost to the United States.


# §14. Returns relative to lands


All returns relative to the [public lands](/usc/43/155.md?p=1) shall be made to the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior or such officer as he may designate.


# §15. Issuance and signing of patents by Secretary of the Interior; delegation of authority; notice


All patents for [public lands](/usc/43/155.md?p=1) shall be issued and signed by the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior in the name of the United States: Provided, That the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) may delegate his authority under this section to officers or employees of the Department of the Interior, but notice of any such delegation shall be given by publication in the Federal Register.


# §16. Engrossing and recording patents


The engrossing and recording of patents for [public lands](/usc/43/155.md?p=1) may be done by means of typewriters or other machines, under regulations to be made by the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior and approved by the President.


# §17. Plats of land surveyed


The [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior or such officer as he may designate shall, when required by the President or either House of Congress, make a plat of any land surveyed under the authority of the United States, and give such information respecting the [public lands](/usc/43/155.md?p=1) and concerning the business of the Bureau of Land Management as shall be directed.


# §18. Copies of papers filed


Whenever any person claiming to be interested in or entitled to land, under any grant or patent from the United States, applies to the Department of the Interior for copies of papers filed and remaining therein, in anywise affecting the title to such land, it shall be the duty of the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior to cause such copies to be made out and authenticated, under his hand and the seal of the Bureau of Land Management, for the person so applying.


# [§§19 to 21. Repealed. Dec. 16, 1930, ch. 14, § 1, 46 Stat. 1029 — repealed]



# [§22. Repealed. July 30, 1947, ch. 354, § 2, 61 Stat. 522 — repealed]



# [§23. Repealed. Pub. L. 86–649, title II, § 202(b), July 14, 1960, 74 Stat. 507 — repealed]



# [§24. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 632, 646, 647 — repealed]



# [§§25 to 25b. Repealed. Oct. 25, 1951, ch. 562, § 1(25), 65 Stat. 639 — repealed]



# §31. Director of United States Geological Survey

- (a) **Establishment of office; appointment and duties; examination of geological structure, mineral resources, and products of national domain; prohibitions in respect to lands and surveys—** The [Director](/usc/43/31b.md?p=3) of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10), which office is established, under the Interior Department, shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. This officer shall have the direction of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10), and the classification of the [public lands](/usc/43/155.md?p=1) and examination of the geological structure, mineral resources, and products of the national domain. The [Director](/usc/43/31b.md?p=3) and members of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) shall have no personal or private interests in the lands or mineral wealth of the region under [survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10), and shall execute no [surveys](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) or examinations for private parties or corporations.
- (b) **Examination of geological structure, mineral resources, and products outside national domain—** The authority of the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior, exercised through the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) of the Department of the Interior, to examine the geological structure, mineral resources, and products of the national domain, is expanded to authorize such examinations outside the national domain where determined by the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) to be in the national interest.

# §31a. Findings and purpose

- (a) **Findings—** The Congress finds and declares that—
  - (1) although significant progress has been made in the production of geologic maps since the establishment of the national cooperative [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6) in 1992, no modern, digital, geologic map exists for approximately 75 percent of the United States;
  - (2) geologic maps are the primary data base for virtually all applied and basic earth-science investigations, including—
    - (A) exploration for and development of mineral, energy, and water resources;
    - (B) screening and characterizing sites for toxic and nuclear waste disposal;
    - (C) land use evaluation and planning for homeland and environmental protection;
    - (D) earthquake hazards reduction;
    - (E) identifying volcanic hazards;
    - (F) design and construction of infrastructure requirements such as utility lifelines, transportation corridors, and surface-water impoundments;
    - (G) reducing losses from landslides and other ground failures;
    - (H) mitigating effects of coastal and stream erosion;
    - (I) siting of critical facilities;
    - (J) recreation and public awareness; and
    - (K) basic earth-science research;
  - (3) Federal agencies, [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) and local governments, private industry, and the general public depend on the information provided by geologic maps to determine the extent of potential environmental damage before embarking on projects that could lead to preventable, costly environmental problems or litigation;
  - (4) the combined capabilities of [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8), Federal, and academic groups to provide geologic mapping are not sufficient to meet the present and future needs of the United States for national security, environmental protection, and energy self-sufficiency of the Nation;
  - (5) [States](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) are willing to contribute 50 percent of the funding necessary to complete the mapping of the geology within the [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8);
  - (6) the lack of proper geologic maps has led to the poor design of such structures as dams and waste-disposal facilities;
  - (7) geologic maps have proven indispensable in the search for needed fossil-fuel and mineral resources;
  - (8) geologic map information is required for the sustainable and balanced development of natural resources of all types, including energy, [minerals](/usc/43/1331.md?p=q), land, water, and biological resources;
  - (9) advances in digital technology and geographical information system science have made geologic map databases increasingly available as decision support tools for land and resource management; and
  - (10) a comprehensive nationwide [program](/usc/43/2401.md?p=7) 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—** The purpose of [sections 31a to 31h](/usc/43/31a..31h.md) of this title is to expedite the production of a geologic-map data base for the Nation, to be located within the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10), which can be applied to land-use management, assessment, and utilization, conservation of natural resources, groundwater management, and environmental protection and management.

# §31b. Definitions


In [sections 31a to 31h](/usc/43/31a..31h.md) of this title:

- (1) **Advisory committee—** The term “advisory committee” means the advisory committee established under [section 31d of this title](/usc/43/31d.md).
- (2) **Association—** The term “Association” means the Association of American [State](#8) Geologists.
- (3) **Director—** The term “Director” means the Director of the United States Geological [Survey](#10).
- (4) **Education component—** The term “education component” means the education component of the [geologic mapping program](#6) described in [section 31c(d)(3) of this title](/usc/43/31c.md?p=d-3).
- (5) **Federal component—** The term “Federal component” means the Federal component of the [geologic mapping program](#6) described in [section 31c(d)(1) of this title](/usc/43/31c.md?p=d-1).
- (6) **Geologic mapping program—** The term “geologic mapping program” means the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program established by [section 31c(a) of this title](/usc/43/31c.md?p=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](#6) described in [section 31c(d)(2) of this title](/usc/43/31c.md?p=d-2).
- (10) **Survey—** The term “Survey” means the United States Geological Survey.

# §31c. Geologic mapping program

- (a) **Establishment—**
  - (1) **In general—** There is established a national cooperative [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6) between the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) and the [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) geological [surveys](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10), acting through the [Association](/usc/43/31b.md?p=2).
  - (2) **Design, development, and administration—** The cooperative [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6) shall be—
    - (A) designed and administered to achieve the objectives set forth in [subsection (c)](#c);
    - (B) developed in consultation with the [advisory committee](/usc/43/31b.md?p=1); and
    - (C) administered through the [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10).
- (b) **Responsibilities of the Survey—**
  - (1) **Lead agency—** The [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) shall be the lead Federal agency responsible for planning, developing national priorities and standards for, coordinating, and managing the [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6). In carrying out this paragraph, the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7), acting through the [Director](/usc/43/31b.md?p=3), shall—
    - (A) develop a 5-year strategic plan for the [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6) in accordance with [section 31e of this title](/usc/43/31e.md), which plan shall be submitted to the [Committee](/usc/43/2801.md?p=2) on Resources of the House of Representatives and the [Committee](/usc/43/2801.md?p=2) on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate not later than 1 year after March 12, 2019;
    - (B) appoint, with the advice and consultation of the [Association](/usc/43/31b.md?p=2), the [advisory committee](/usc/43/31b.md?p=1) not later than 1 year after March 12, 2019, in accordance with [section 31d of this title](/usc/43/31d.md); and
    - (C) submit biennially a report to the [Committee](/usc/43/2801.md?p=2) on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate and to the [Committee](/usc/43/2801.md?p=2) on Resources of the House of Representatives identifying—
      - (i) how the [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) and the [Association](/usc/43/31b.md?p=2) are coordinating the development and implementation of the [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6);
      - (ii) how the [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) and the [Association](/usc/43/31b.md?p=2) establish goals, mapping priorities, and target dates for implementation of the [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6); and
      - (iii) how long-term staffing plans for the various components of the [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6) affect successful implementation of the [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6).
  - (2) **Responsibilities of the Secretary—** In addition to [paragraph (1)](#b-1), the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7), acting through the [Director](/usc/43/31b.md?p=3), shall be responsible for developing, as soon as practicable—
    - (A) in cooperation with the [Association](/usc/43/31b.md?p=2), other Federal and [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) 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).
- (c) **Program objectives—** The objectives of the [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6) 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](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6) 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](/usc/43/31b.md?p=5), mapping priorities—
      - (i) shall be described in the 5-year plan under [section 31e of this title](/usc/43/31e.md); 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](/usc/43/31b.md?p=5) shall include interdisciplinary studies that add value to geologic mapping.
      - (ii) **Representative categories—** Interdisciplinary studies under [clause (i)](#d-1-C-i) may include—
        - (I) establishment of a national geologic map database under [section 31f of this title](/usc/43/31f.md);
        - (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)](#d-1-C-ii) shall be contributed to national databases.
  - (2) **State component—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6) shall include a [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) 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](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8).
    - (B) **Mapping priorities—** For the [State component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=9), mapping priorities—
      - (i) shall be determined by [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) panels representing a broad range of users of geologic maps; and
      - (ii) shall be based on—
        - (I) [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) requirements for geologic map information in areas of multiple-issue need or areas of compelling single-issue need; and
        - (II) [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) 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](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) shall integrate the [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) mapping priorities under this paragraph with the Federal mapping priorities under [paragraph (1)](#d-1).
    - (D) **Use of funds—** The [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) and recipients of grants under the [State component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=9) shall not use more than 15.25 percent of the Federal [funds](/usc/43/1602.md?p=k) made available under the [State component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=9) for any fiscal year to pay indirect, servicing, or [program](/usc/43/2401.md?p=7) management charges.
    - (E) **Federal share—** The Federal share of the cost of activities under the [State component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=9) for any fiscal year shall not exceed 50 percent.
  - (3) **Education component—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6) shall include a geologic mapping [education component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=4) 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](/usc/43/2401.md?p=7) that teach students of earth science the fundamental principles of geologic mapping and field analysis.
    - (B) **Investigations—** The [education component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=4) may include the conduct of investigations, which—
      - (i) shall be integrated with the [Federal component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=5) and the [State component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=9); and
      - (ii) shall respond to mapping priorities identified for the [Federal component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=5) and the [State component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=9).
    - (C) **Use of funds—** The [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) and recipients of grants under the [education component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=4) shall not use more than 15.25 percent of the Federal [funds](/usc/43/1602.md?p=k) made available under the [education component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=4) for any fiscal year to pay indirect, servicing, or [program](/usc/43/2401.md?p=7) management charges.
    - (D) **Federal share—** The Federal share of the cost of activities under the [education component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=4) for any fiscal year shall not exceed 50 percent.
  - (4) **Abandoned mine land and mine waste component—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6) shall include an abandoned mine land and mine waste geologic mapping component, the objective of which shall be to establish the geologic framework of abandoned mine land and other land containing mine waste.
    - (B) **Mapping priorities—** For the component described in [subparagraph (A)](#d-4-A), the priority shall be mapping abandoned mine land and other land containing mine waste where multiple critical mineral (as defined in [section 1606(a) of title 30](/usc/30/1606.md?p=a)) and metal commodities are anticipated to be present, rather than single mineral resources.

# §31d. Advisory committee

- (a) **Establishment—**
  - (1) **In general—** There shall be established a 11-member geologic mapping [advisory committee](/usc/43/31b.md?p=1) to advise the [Director](/usc/43/31b.md?p=3) on planning and implementation of the [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6).
  - (2) **Members ex officio—** Federal agency members shall include the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency or a designee, the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior or a designee from a land management agency of the Department of the Interior, the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of Energy or a designee, and the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of Agriculture or a designee.
  - (3) **Appointed members—** In consultation with the [Association](/usc/43/31b.md?p=2), the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) shall appoint to the [advisory committee](/usc/43/31b.md?p=1) two representatives from the [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) (including the Associate [Director](/usc/43/31b.md?p=3) for Core Science Systems, as Chair), two representatives from the [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) geological [surveys](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10), one representative from academia, and 2 representatives from the private sector.
- (b) **Duties—** The [advisory committee](/usc/43/31b.md?p=1) shall—
  - (1) review and update the 5-year plan prepared by the [Director](/usc/43/31b.md?p=3) pursuant to [section 31e of this title](/usc/43/31e.md);
  - (2) review the scientific progress of the [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6);
  - (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](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) that evaluates the progress of the Federal, [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8), and university mapping activities and evaluates the progress made toward fulfilling the purposes of [sections 31c through 31f](/usc/43/31c..31f.md) of this title.

# §31e. Geologic mapping program 5-year plan

- (a) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7), acting through the [Director](/usc/43/31b.md?p=3), shall, with the advice and review of the [advisory committee](/usc/43/31b.md?p=1), prepare a 5-year plan for the [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6).
- (b) **Requirements—** The 5-year plan shall identify—
  - (1) overall priorities for the [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6); and
  - (2) implementation of the overall management structure and operation of the [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6), including—
    - (A) the role of the [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) in the capacity of overall management lead, including the responsibility for developing the national [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6) that meets Federal needs while fostering [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) needs;
    - (B) the responsibilities of the [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) geological [surveys](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10), with emphasis on mechanisms that incorporate the needs, missions, capabilities, and requirements of the [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) geological [surveys](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10), into the nationwide [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6);
    - (C) mechanisms for identifying short- and long-term priorities for each component of the [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6), including—
      - (i) for the [Federal component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=5), 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](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) needs for geologic maps, in which joint Federal-[State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) geologic mapping projects are in the national interest;
      - (ii) for the [State component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=9), a priority-setting mechanism that responds to—
        - (I) specific intrastate needs for geologic map information; and
        - (II) interstate needs shared by adjacent [States](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) that have common requirements; and
      - (iii) for the [education component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=4), a priority-setting mechanism that responds to requirements for geologic map information that are dictated by Federal and [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) 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.

# §31f. National geologic map database

- (a) **Establishment—**
  - (1) **In general—** The [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) 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](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) geologic map holdings, that includes—
    - (A) all maps developed with funding provided by the National Cooperative [Geologic Mapping Program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6), including under the Federal, [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8), and [education components](/usc/43/31b.md?p=4);
    - (B) the databases developed in connection with investigations under subclauses (III), (IV), and (V) of [section 31c(d)(1)(C)(ii) of this title](/usc/43/31c.md?p=d-1-C-ii); and
    - (C) other maps and data that the [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) and the [Association](/usc/43/31b.md?p=2) consider appropriate.
- (b) **Standardization—**
  - (1) **In general—** Geologic maps contributed to the national archives shall have format, symbols, and technical attributes that adhere to standards so that archival information can be accessed, exchanged, and compared efficiently and accurately, as required by Executive Order 12906 (59 Fed. Reg. 17,671 (1994)), which established the National Spatial Data Infrastructure.
  - (2) **Development of standards—** Entities that contribute geologic maps to the national archives shall develop the standards described in [paragraph (1)](#b-1) in cooperation with the Federal Geographic Data [Committee](/usc/43/2801.md?p=2), which is charged with standards development and other data coordination activities as described in Office of Management and Budget revised Circular A–16.

# §31g. Biennial report


Not later than 3 years after March 30, 2009, and biennially thereafter, the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) shall submit to the [Committee](/usc/43/2801.md?p=2) on Resources of the House of Representatives and the [Committee](/usc/43/2801.md?p=2) on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that—

- (1) describes the status of the national [geologic mapping program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6);
- (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](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) may have for legislative or other action to achieve the purposes of [sections 31c through 31f](/usc/43/31c..31f.md) of this title.

# §31h. Authorization of appropriations

- (a) **In general—** There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out [sections 31a to 31h](/usc/43/31a..31h.md) of this title $64,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2031.
- (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](/usc/43/31b.md?p=9); and
  - (2) 4 percent shall be available for the [education component](/usc/43/31b.md?p=4).

# §31i. Report on resource research activities


Once every five years the National Academy of Sciences shall review and report on the resource research activities of the [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10).


# §31j. Biological research activity of Survey; review and report by National Academy of Sciences


Beginning in fiscal year 1998 and once every five years thereafter, the National Academy of Sciences shall review and report on the biological research activity of the [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10).


# §31k. National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System

- (a) **Definitions—** In this section:
  - (1) **Secretary—** The term “Secretary” means the Secretary, acting through the [Director](/usc/43/31b.md?p=3) of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10).
  - (2) **Secretary of Commerce—** The term “Secretary of Commerce” means the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
  - (3) **System—** The term “System” means the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System established under [subsection (b)(1)(A)](#b-1-A).
  - (4) **Volcanic Ash Advisory Center—** The term “Volcanic Ash Advisory Center” means an entity designated by the International Civil Aviation Organization that is responsible for informing aviation interests about the presence of volcanic ash in the airspace.
- (b) **National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System—**
  - (1) **Establishment—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [Secretary](#a-1) shall establish within the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) a [system](#a-3), to be known as the “National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring [System](#a-3)”, to monitor, warn, and protect citizens of the United States from undue and avoidable harm from volcanic activity.
    - (B) **Purposes—** The purposes of the [System](#a-3) are—
      - (i) to organize, modernize, standardize, and stabilize the monitoring [systems](#a-3) of the volcano observatories in the United States, which includes the Alaska Volcano Observatory, California Volcano Observatory, Cascades Volcano Observatory, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, and Yellowstone Volcano Observatory;
      - (ii) to unify the monitoring [systems](#a-3) of volcano observatories in the United States into a single interoperative [system](#a-3); and
      - (iii) to strengthen the warning and monitoring [systems](#a-3) of volcano observatories in the United States by integrating relevant capacities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including with the [Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers](#a-4) located in Anchorage, Alaska, and Washington, D.C., to observe and model emissions of gases, aerosols, and ash, atmospheric dynamics and chemistry, and ocean chemistry resulting from volcanic eruptions.
    - (C) **Objective—** The objective of the [System](#a-3) is to monitor all the volcanoes in the United States at a level commensurate with the threat posed by the volcanoes by—
      - (i) upgrading existing networks on monitored volcanoes;
      - (ii) installing new networks on unmonitored volcanoes; and
      - (iii) employing geodetic and other components when applicable.
  - (2) **System components—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [System](#a-3) shall include—
      - (i) a national volcano watch office that is operational 24 hours a day and 7 days a week;
      - (ii) a national volcano data center; and
      - (iii) an external grants [program](/usc/43/2401.md?p=7) to support research in volcano monitoring science and technology.
    - (B) **Modernization activities—** Modernization activities under the [System](#a-3) shall include the comprehensive application of emerging technologies, including digital broadband seismometers, real-time continuous Global Positioning [System](#a-3) receivers, satellite and airborne radar interferometry, acoustic pressure sensors, spectrometry to measure gas emissions, and unoccupied aerial vehicles.
    - (C) **Memorandum of understanding—** The [Secretary](#a-1) and the [Secretary of Commerce](#a-2) shall develop and execute a memorandum of understanding to establish cooperative support for the activities of the [System](#a-3) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including environmental observations, modeling, and temporary duty assignments of personnel to support emergency activities, as necessary or appropriate.
  - (3) **Management—**
    - (A) **Management plan—**
      - (i) **In general—** Not later than 180 days after March 12, 2019, the [Secretary](#a-1) shall submit to Congress a 5-year management plan for establishing and operating the [System](#a-3).
      - (ii) **Inclusions—** The management plan submitted under [clause (i)](#b-3-A-i) shall include—
        - (I) annual cost estimates for modernization activities and operation of the [System](#a-3);
        - (II) annual milestones, standards, and performance goals; and
        - (III) recommendations for, and progress towards, establishing new, or enhancing existing, partnerships to leverage resources.
      - (iii) **Update—**
        - (I) **National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration cost estimates—** The [Secretary of Commerce](#a-2) shall submit to the [Secretary](#a-1) annual cost estimates for modernization activities and support of the [System](#a-3) for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
        - (II) **Update of management plan—** The [Secretary](#a-1) shall update the management plan submitted under [clause (i)](#b-3-A-i) to include the cost estimates submitted under [subclause (I)](#b-3-A-iii-I).
    - (B) **Advisory committee—** The [Secretary](#a-1) shall establish an [advisory committee](/usc/43/31b.md?p=1) to assist the [Secretary](#a-1) in implementing the [System](#a-3), to be comprised of representatives of relevant agencies and members of the scientific community, to be appointed by the [Secretary](#a-1).
    - (C) **Partnerships—** The [Secretary](#a-1) may enter into cooperative agreements with institutions of higher education and [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) agencies designating the institutions of higher education and [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) agencies as volcano observatory partners for the [System](#a-3).
    - (D) **Coordination—** The [Secretary](#a-1) shall coordinate the activities under this section with the heads of relevant Federal agencies, including—
      - (i) the [Secretary](#a-1) of Transportation;
      - (ii) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration;
      - (iii) the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
      - (iv) the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
    - (E) **Collaboration—** The [Secretary of Commerce](#a-2) shall collaborate with the [Secretary](#a-1) to implement activities carried out under this section related to the expertise of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including observations and modeling of emissions of gases, aerosols, and ash, atmospheric dynamics and chemistry, and ocean chemistry resulting from volcanic eruptions.
  - (4) **Annual report—** Annually, the [Secretary](#a-1) shall submit to Congress a report that describes the activities carried out under this section.
- (c) **Funding—**
  - (1) **Authorization of appropriations, United States Geological Survey—** There is authorized to be appropriated to the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) to carry out this section $55,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
  - (2) **Authorization of appropriations, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—** There is authorized to be appropriated to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for the period of fiscal years 2023 through 2024.
  - (3) **Effect on other sources of Federal funding—** Amounts made available under this subsection shall supplement, and not supplant, Federal [funds](/usc/43/1602.md?p=k) made available for other hazards activities and [programs](/usc/43/2401.md?p=7) of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

# §31l. Earth Mapping Resources Initiative

- (a) **Definition of critical mineral—** In this section, the term “critical mineral” has the meaning given the term in [section 1606(a) of title 30](/usc/30/1606.md?p=a).
- (b) **Establishment—** There is established within the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) an initiative, to be known as the “Earth Mapping Resources Initiative” (referred to in this section as the “Initiative”).
- (c) **Purpose—** The purpose of the Initiative shall be to accelerate efforts to carry out the fundamental resources and mapping mission of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) by—
  - (1) providing integrated topographic, geologic, geochemical, and geophysical mapping;
  - (2) accelerating the integration and consolidation of geospatial and resource data; and
  - (3) providing interpretation of subsurface and above-ground mineral resources data.
- (d) **Cooperative agreements—**
  - (1) **In general—** In carrying out the Initiative, the [Director](/usc/43/31b.md?p=3) of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) may enter into cooperative agreements with [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) geological [surveys](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10).
  - (2) **Effect—** Nothing in [paragraph (1)](#d-1) precludes the [Director](/usc/43/31b.md?p=3) of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) from using existing contracting authorities in carrying out the Initiative.
- (e) **Comprehensive mapping modernization—**
  - (1) **In general—** Not later than 10 years after November 15, 2021, the Initiative shall complete an initial comprehensive national modern surface and subsurface mapping and data integration effort.
  - (2) **Approach—** In carrying out [paragraph (1)](#e-1) with regard to [minerals](/usc/43/1331.md?p=q), mineralization, and mineral deposits, the Initiative shall focus on the full range of [minerals](/usc/43/1331.md?p=q), using a whole ore body approach rather than a single commodity approach, to emphasize all of the recoverable [critical minerals](#a) in a given surface or subsurface deposit.
  - (3) **Priority—** In carrying out [paragraph (1)](#e-1) with regard to [minerals](/usc/43/1331.md?p=q), mineralization, and mineral deposits, the Initiative shall prioritize mapping and assessing [critical minerals](#a).
  - (4) **Inclusions—** In carrying out [paragraph (1)](#e-1), the Initiative shall also—
    - (A) map and collect data for areas containing mine waste to increase understanding of above-ground [critical mineral](#a) resources in previously disturbed areas; and
    - (B) provide for analysis of samples, including samples within the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation [Program](/usc/43/2401.md?p=7) established under [section 15908(b) of title 42](/usc/42/15908.md?p=b) for the occurrence of [critical minerals](#a).
- (f) **Availability—** The Initiative shall make the geospatial data and metadata gathered by the Initiative under [subsection (e)(1)](#e-1) electronically publicly accessible on an ongoing basis.
- (g) **Integration of data sources—** The Initiative shall integrate data sources, including data from—
  - (1) the National Cooperative [Geologic Mapping Program](/usc/43/31b.md?p=6) established by [section 31c(a)(1) of this title](/usc/43/31c.md?p=a-1);
  - (2) the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation [Program](/usc/43/2401.md?p=7) established under [section 15908(b) of title 42](/usc/42/15908.md?p=b);
  - (3) the USMIN Mineral Deposit Database of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10);
  - (4) the [3D Elevation Program](/usc/43/3101.md?p=3) established under [section 3104(a) of this title](/usc/43/3104.md?p=a); and
  - (5) other relevant sources, including sources providing geothermal resources data.
- (h) **Authorization of appropriations—** There is authorized to be appropriated to the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) to carry out this section $320,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, to remain available until expended.

# §32. Acting Director


The [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior may authorize one of the geologists to act as [Director](/usc/43/31b.md?p=3) of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) in the absence of that officer.


# [§33. Repealed. Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, § 53, 70A Stat. 641 — repealed]



# §34. Scientific employees


The scientific employees of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) shall be selected by the [Director](/usc/43/31b.md?p=3), subject to the approval of the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior exclusively for their qualifications as professional experts.


# [§35. Repealed. Pub. L. 87–304, § 9(a)(2), Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 664 — repealed]



# §36. Purchase of books


The purchase of professional and scientific books and periodicals needed for statistical purposes by the scientific divisions of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) is authorized to be made and paid for out of appropriations made for the said [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10).


# §36a. Acquisition of scientific or technical books, maps, etc., for library


The [Director](/usc/43/31b.md?p=3) of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10), under the general supervision of the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior, is authorized to acquire for the United States, by gift or devise, scientific or technical books, manuscripts, maps, and related materials, and to deposit the same in the library of the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) for reference and use as authorized by law.


# §36b. Acquisition of lands or interests therein for use in gaging streams or underground water resources


The [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior may, on behalf of the United States and for use by the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) in gaging streams and underground water resources, acquire lands by donation or when [funds](/usc/43/1602.md?p=k) have been appropriated by Congress by purchase or condemnation, but not in excess of ten acres for any one stream gaging station or observation well site. For the same purpose the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior may obtain easements, licenses, rights-of-way, and [leases](/usc/43/1331.md?p=c) limited to run for such a period of time or term of years as may be required for the effective performance of the function of gaging streams and underground water resources: Provided, That nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting or intended to affect or in any way to interfere with the laws of any [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) or Territory relating to the control, appropriation, use, or distribution of water used in irrigation, or any vested right acquired thereunder, and the [Secretary](/usc/43/31b.md?p=7) of the Interior, in carrying out the provisions of this section, shall proceed in conformity with such laws, and nothing in this section shall in any way affect any right of any [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8) or of the Federal Government or of any landowner, appropriator, or user of water, in, to, or from any interstate stream or the waters thereof.


# §36c. Acceptance of contributions from public and private sources; cooperation with other agencies in prosecution of projects


In fiscal year 1987 and thereafter the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) is authorized to accept lands, buildings, equipment, and other contributions from public and private sources and to prosecute projects in cooperation with other agencies, Federal, [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8), or private.


# §36d. Cooperative agreements


Notwithstanding the provisions of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977 ([31 U.S.C. 6301–630](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(/us/usc/t31/s6301–630))8), the United States Geological [Survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) is authorized to continue existing, and on and after November 10, 2003, to enter into new cooperative agreements directed towards a particular cooperator, in support of joint research and data collection activities with Federal, [State](/usc/43/31b.md?p=8), and academic partners funded by appropriations herein, including those that provide for space in cooperator facilities.


# [§37. Omitted — omitted]



# §38. Topographic surveys; marking elevations


In making topographic [surveys](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) west of the ninety-fifth meridian elevations above a base level located in each area under [survey](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10) shall be determined and marked on the ground by iron or stone posts or permanent bench marks, at least two such posts or bench marks to be established in each township, or equivalent area, except in the forest-clad and mountain areas, where at least one shall be established, and these shall be placed, whenever practicable, near the township corners of the public-land [surveys](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10); and in the areas east of the ninety-fifth meridian at least one such post or bench mark shall be similarly established in each area equivalent to the area of a township of the [public land](/usc/43/1748c.md?p=a-3) [surveys](/usc/43/31b.md?p=10).


# [§39. Omitted — omitted]



# [§40. Omitted — omitted]