43 U.S.C. §§ 31a–31h

§31a. Findings and purpose

43 U.S.C. § 31a

(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 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 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, 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 are willing to contribute 50 percent of the funding necessary to complete the mapping of the geology within the State;

(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, 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 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 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, which can be applied to land-use management, assessment, and utilization, conservation of natural resources, groundwater management, and environmental protection and management.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

(Pub. L. 102–285, § 2, May 18, 1992, 106 Stat. 166; Pub. L. 106–148, § 2, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1719; Pub. L. 111–11, title XI, § 11001(a), (b), Mar. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1414.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Sections 31a to 31h of this title, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 102–285, known as the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992, which is classified principally to sections 31a to 31h of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note below and Tables.

Amendments

2009—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(a)(1), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: “during the past 2 decades, the production of geologic maps has been drastically curtailed;”.

Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(a)(2)(A), inserted “homeland and” after “planning for”.

Subsec. (a)(2)(E). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(a)(2)(B), substituted “identifying” for “predicting”.

Subsec. (a)(2)(J), (K). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(a)(2)(C)–(E), added subpar. (J) and redesignated former subpar. (J) as (K).

Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(a)(3), substituted “available” for “important”.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(b), inserted “and management” before period at end.

1999—Subsec. (a)(8) to (10). Pub. L. 106–148 added pars. (8) and (9) and redesignated former par. (8) as (10) and inserted “of surficial and bedrock deposits” after “geologic mapping”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–148, § 1, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1719, provided that: “This Act [enacting sections 31e, 31g and 31h of this title, amending sections 31a to 31d and 31f of this title, and repealing former sections 31e, 31g, and 31h of this title] may be cited as the ‘National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1999’.”

Short Title of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–36, § 1, Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1107, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 31b to 31h of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the ‘National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1997’.”

Short Title

Pub. L. 102–285, § 1, May 18, 1992, 106 Stat. 166, provided that: “This Act [enacting this section and sections 31b to 31h of this title, amending sections 1457, 1457a, and 1782 of this title, sections 450ii–3, 665, 1133, and 3151 of Title 16, Conservation, section 262k of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, section 1677 of Title 25, Indians, sections 1, 1a, 2, 3, 4, 4c, 4d, 5, 6, 7, 8, 411, 412, 804, 812, 871, 878, 1224, 1229, 1232, 1311, 1315, and 1604 of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining, and sections 5814 and 6505 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, enacting provisions set out as notes under section 31 of this title and section 1 of Title 30, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1231 of Title 30] may be cited as the ‘National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992’.”

Findings

Pub. L. 105–36, § 2, Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1107, provided that: “Congress finds that— in enacting the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 (43 U.S.C. 31a et seq.), Congress found, among other things, that— during the 2 decades preceding enactment of that Act, the production of geologic maps had been drastically curtailed; geologic maps are the primary data base for virtually all applied and basic earth-science investigations; Federal agencies, State 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; the lack of proper geologic maps has led to the poor design of such structures as dams and waste-disposal facilities; geologic maps have proven indispensable in the search for needed fossil fuel and mineral resources; and a comprehensive nationwide program of geologic mapping is required in order to systematically build the Nation’s geologic-map data base at a pace that responds to increasing demand; the geologic mapping program called for by that Act has not been fully implemented; and it is time for this important program to be fully implemented.”

§31b. Definitions

43 U.S.C. § 31b

In sections 31a to 31h of this title:

(1)

Advisory committee— The term “advisory committee” means the advisory committee established under section 31d of this title.

(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 31c(d)(3) of this title.

(5)

Federal component— The term “Federal component” means the Federal component of the geologic mapping program described in section 31c(d)(1) of this title.

(6)

Geologic mapping program— The term “geologic mapping program” means the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program established by section 31c(a) of this title.

(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 31c(d)(2) of this title.

(10)

Survey— The term “Survey” means the United States Geological Survey.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

(Pub. L. 102–285, § 3, May 18, 1992, 106 Stat. 167; Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1107; Pub. L. 106–148, § 3, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1719; Pub. L. 116–9, title V, § 5002(c), Mar. 12, 2019, 133 Stat. 768.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Sections 31a to 31h of this title, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 102–285, known as the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992, which is classified principally to sections 31a to 31h of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 31a of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2019—Par. (4). Pub. L. 116–9, § 5002(c)(1), substituted “section 31c(d)(3)” for “section 31e(d)(3)”.

Par. (5). Pub. L. 116–9, § 5002(c)(2), substituted “section 31c(d)(1)” for “section 31e(d)(1)”.

Par. (9). Pub. L. 116–9, § 5002(c)(3), substituted “section 31c(d)(2)” for “section 31e(d)(2)”.

1999—Pars. (4) to (10). Pub. L. 106–148 added pars. (4), (5), and (9) and redesignated former pars. (4), (5), (6), and (7) as (6), (7), (8), and (10), respectively.

1997—Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(a)(1), substituted “In sections 31a to 31h of this title:” for “As used in sections 31a to 31h of this title:” in introductory provisions.

Par. (1). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(a)(5), inserted heading.

Par. (2). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(a)(2), (3), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).

Pars. (3) to (5). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(a)(2), (5), redesignated pars. (2) to (4) as (3) to (5), respectively, and inserted headings. Par. (5) redesignated (7).

Par. (6). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(a)(4), added par. (6).

Par. (7). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(a)(2), (5), redesignated par. (5) as (7) and inserted heading.

§31c. Geologic mapping program

43 U.S.C. § 31c

(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 31e of this title, 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 March 12, 2019;

(B)

appoint, with the advice and consultation of the Association, the advisory committee not later than 1 year after March 12, 2019, in accordance with section 31d of this title; 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 31e of this title; 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 31f of this title;

(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.

(4)

Abandoned mine land and mine waste component—

(A)

In general— The geologic mapping program 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), 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) and metal commodities are anticipated to be present, rather than single mineral resources.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

(Pub. L. 102–285, § 4, May 18, 1992, 106 Stat. 167; Pub. L. 103–437, § 16(a)(1), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4594; Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1108; Pub. L. 106–148, § 4, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1720; Pub. L. 111–11, title XI, § 11001(c)–(e), Mar. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1414, 1415; Pub. L. 116–9, title V, § 5002(a)(2), Mar. 12, 2019, 133 Stat. 768; Pub. L. 117–58, div. D, title II, § 40202(a), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 959.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 117–58 added par. (4).

2019—Subsec. (b)(1)(A), (B). Pub. L. 116–9 substituted “March 12, 2019” for “March 30, 2009”.

2009—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(c)(1), substituted “not later than 1 year after March 30, 2009;” for “not later than 1 year after December 9, 1999;”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(c)(2), substituted “not later than 1 year after March 30, 2009, in accordance” for “not later than 1 year after December 9, 1999, in accordance”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(c)(3), substituted “submit biennially” for “not later than 3 years after December 9, 1999, and biennially thereafter, submit” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(d), struck out “geophysical-map data base, geochemical-map data base, and a” after “national” and substituted “provides” for “provide”.

Subsec. (d)(1)(B)(ii)(III). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(e), added subcl. (III).

1999—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 106–148, § 4(1)(A), substituted “national priorities and standards for” for “priorities” in first sentence.

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 106–148, § 4(1)(B), substituted “develop a 5-year strategic plan for the geologic mapping program” for “develop a geologic mapping program implementation plan” and “not later than 1 year after December 9, 1999” for “within 300 days after August 5, 1997”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 106–148, § 4(1)(C), substituted “not later than 1 year after December 9, 1999,” for “within 90 days after August 5, 1997,”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 106–148, § 4(1)(D)(i), substituted “not later than 3 years after December 9, 1999, and biennially thereafter” for “within 210 days after August 5, 1997” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1)(C)(i). Pub. L. 106–148, § 4(1)(D)(ii), substituted “are coordinating” for “will coordinate”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 106–148, § 4(1)(D)(iii), substituted “establish” for “will establish”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(C)(iii). Pub. L. 106–148, § 4(1)(D)(iv), substituted “affect” for “will lead to”.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–148, § 4(2), added subsec. (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which set out the Federal, support, State, and education components of the geological mapping program.

1997—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(1), added subsec. (a) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (a). Text read as follows: “There is established in the United States Geological Survey a National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program. The geologic mapping program shall be developed in consultation with the advisory committee and shall be designed and administered to achieve the objectives set forth in subsection (c) of this section.”

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(2)(A), (D), substituted “the Survey” for “USGS” in heading and realigned text margins.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(2)(B)(i), (ii), inserted heading and realigned margins.

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(2)(B)(iii), substituted “Committee on Resources” for “Committee on Natural Resources” and “August 5, 1997” for “May 18, 1992”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(2)(B)(iv), substituted “Association” for “State geological surveys” and “August 5, 1997” for “May 18, 1992”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(2)(B)(v)(I), (II), in introductory provisions, substituted “August 5, 1997” for “May 18, 1992” and “Committee on Resources” for “Committee on Natural Resources”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(C)(i). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(2)(B)(v)(III), inserted “and the Association” after “the Survey”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(2)(B)(v)(III), (IV), inserted “and the Association” after “the Survey” and “and” after semicolon at end.

Subsec. (b)(1)(C)(iii), (iv). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(2)(B)(v)(V), substituted period for “; and” at end of cl. (iii) and struck out cl. (iv) which read as follows: “the degree to which geologic mapping activities traditionally funded by the Survey, including the use of commercially available aerial photography, geodesy, professional land surveying, photogrammetric mapping, cartography, photographic processing, and related services, can be contracted to professional private mapping firms.”

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(2)(C)(i), inserted heading.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(2)(C)(ii), substituted “Association” for “State geological surveys”.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(3)(A), substituted “interpretative information” for “interpretive information”.

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(3)(B), substituted “public awareness of” for “public awareness for”.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(4)(A), inserted heading.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(4)(B)(i), inserted heading.

Subsec. (d)(2)(D). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(4)(B)(ii), added subpar. (D) and struck out former subpar. (D) which read as follows: “geochronologic and isotopic investigations that (i) provide radiometric age dates for geologic-map units and (ii) fingerprint the geothermometry, geobarometry, and alteration history of geologic-map units, which investigations shall be contributed to a national geochronologic data base;”.

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(4)(C), inserted heading.

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(b)(4)(D), added par. (4) and struck out former par. (4) which read as follows: “A geologic mapping education component, whose objective shall be—

“(A) to develop the academic programs that teach earth-science students the fundamental principles of geologic mapping and field analysis; and

“(B) to provide for broad education in geologic mapping and field analysis through support of field teaching institutes.

Investigations conducted under the geologic mapping education component shall be integrated with the other mapping components of the geologic mapping program, and shall respond to priorities identified for those components.”

1994—Subsec. (b)(1)(A), (C). Pub. L. 103–437 substituted “Natural Resources” for “Interior and Insular Affairs” before “of the House”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Resources of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Natural Resources of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Jan. 5, 2007.

Wage Rate Requirements

For provisions relating to rates of wages to be paid to laborers and mechanics on projects for construction, alteration, or repair work funded under div. D or an amendment by div. D of Pub. L. 117–58, including authority of Secretary of Labor, see section 18851 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

§31d. Advisory committee

43 U.S.C. § 31d

(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 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 31e of this title;

(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 31c through 31f of this title.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

(Pub. L. 102–285, § 5, May 18, 1992, 106 Stat. 169; Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1110; Pub. L. 106–148, § 5, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1722; Pub. L. 111–11, title XI, § 11001(f), Mar. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1415; Pub. L. 116–9, title V, § 5002(b), Mar. 12, 2019, 133 Stat. 768.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 116–9 substituted “Associate Director for Core Science Systems” for “Associate Director for Geology”.

2009—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(f)(3), substituted “11-member” for “10-member”.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(f)(1)(A), inserted “the Secretary of the Interior or a designee from a land management agency of the Department of the Interior,” after “Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency or a designee,”, inserted “and” after “Energy or a designee,”, and struck out “, and the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology or a designee” before period at end.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(f)(1)(B), substituted “In consultation” for “Not later than 1 year after December 9, 1999, in consultation”, “Associate Director for Geology, as Chair” for “Chief Geologist, as Chairman”, and “2 representatives from the private sector” for “one representative from the private sector”.

Subsec. (b)(3), (4). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(f)(2), added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (4).

1999—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 106–148, § 5(1), substituted “1 year after December 9, 1999,” for “90 days after August 5, 1997,”.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 106–148, § 5(2)(A), substituted “update the 5-year plan” for “critique the draft implementation plan”.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 106–148, § 5(2)(B), substituted “sections 31c through 31f of this title” for “sections 31a to 31h of this title”.

1997—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(c)(1), added subsec. (a) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (a). Text read as follows: “There shall be established a sixteen member geologic mapping advisory committee to advise the Director on planning and implementation of the geologic mapping program. The President shall appoint one representative each from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, the Department of Agriculture, and the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Within 90 days and with the advice and consultation of the State Geological Surveys, the Secretary shall appoint to the advisory committee 2 representatives from the Survey (including the Chief Geologist, as Chairman), 4 representatives from the State geological surveys, 3 representatives from academia, and 3 representatives from the private sector.”

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(c)(2), substituted “Federal, State, and university mapping activities” for “Federal and State mapping activities”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination of Advisory Committees

Advisory committees established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a committee established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such committee is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a committee established by Congress, its duration is otherwise provided by law, see section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§31e. Geologic mapping program 5-year plan

43 U.S.C. § 31e

(a)

In general— The Secretary, acting through the Director, shall, with the advice and review of the advisory committee, prepare a 5-year plan for the geologic mapping program.

(b)

Requirements— The 5-year plan shall identify—

(1)

overall priorities for the geologic mapping program; and

(2)

implementation of the overall management structure and operation of the geologic mapping program, including—

(A)

the role of the Survey in the capacity of overall management lead, including the responsibility for developing the national geologic mapping program that meets Federal needs while fostering State needs;

(B)

the responsibilities of the State geological surveys, with emphasis on mechanisms that incorporate the needs, missions, capabilities, and requirements of the State geological surveys, into the nationwide geologic mapping program;

(C)

mechanisms for identifying short- and long-term priorities for each component of the geologic mapping program, including—

(i)

for the Federal component, a priority-setting mechanism that responds to—

(I)

Federal mission requirements for geologic map information;

(II)

critical scientific problems that require geologic maps for their resolution; and

(III)

shared Federal and State needs for geologic maps, in which joint Federal-State geologic mapping projects are in the national interest;

(ii)

for the State component, a priority-setting mechanism that responds to—

(I)

specific intrastate needs for geologic map information; and

(II)

interstate needs shared by adjacent States that have common requirements; and

(iii)

for the education component, a priority-setting mechanism that responds to requirements for geologic map information that are dictated by Federal and State mission requirements;

(D)

a mechanism for adopting scientific and technical mapping standards for preparing and publishing general- and special-purpose geologic maps to—

(i)

ensure uniformity of cartographic and scientific conventions; and

(ii)

provide a basis for assessing the comparability and quality of map products; and

(E)

a mechanism for monitoring the inventory of published and current mapping investigations nationwide to facilitate planning and information exchange and to avoid redundancy.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

(Pub. L. 102–285, § 6, as added Pub. L. 106–148, § 6, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1722.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 31e, Pub. L. 102–285, § 6, May 18, 1992, 106 Stat. 170; Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(d), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1110, provided for the preparation of a geologic mapping program implementation plan, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 106–148, § 6, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1722.

§31f. National geologic map database

43 U.S.C. § 31f

(a)

Establishment—

(1)

In general— The Survey shall establish a national geologic-map database.

(2)

Function— The database shall serve as a national catalog and archive, distributed through links to Federal and State geologic map holdings, that includes—

(A)

all maps developed with funding provided by the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, including under the Federal, State, and education components;

(B)

the databases developed in connection with investigations under subclauses (III), (IV), and (V) of section 31c(d)(1)(C)(ii) of this title; and

(C)

other maps and data that the Survey and the Association 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) in cooperation with the Federal Geographic Data Committee, which is charged with standards development and other data coordination activities as described in Office of Management and Budget revised Circular A–16.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

(Pub. L. 102–285, § 7, May 18, 1992, 106 Stat. 171; Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(e), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1110; Pub. L. 106–148, § 7, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1723; Pub. L. 111–11, title XI, § 11001(g), Mar. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1415.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Executive Order 12906, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is set out as a note under section 1457 of this title.

Amendments

2009—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(g)(1), substituted “geologic-map” for “geologic map”.

Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(g)(2), added subpar. (A) and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: “all maps developed under the Federal component and the education component;”.

1999—Pub. L. 106–148 substituted “geologic map database” for “geologic-map data base” in section catchline, added subsec. (a), and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (a). Text read as follows: “The Survey shall establish a national geologic-map data base. Such data base shall be a national archive that includes all maps developed pursuant to sections 31a to 31h of this title, the data bases developed pursuant to the investigations under sections 31c(d)(2)(C), (D), (E), and (F) of this title, and other maps and data as the Survey deems appropriate.”

1997—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–36 added subsec. (b) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (b). Text read as follows: “Geologic maps contributed to the national archives should have standardized format, symbols, and technical attributes so that archival information can be assimilated, manipulated, accessed, exchanged, and compared efficiently and accurately.”

§31g. Biennial report

43 U.S.C. § 31g

Not later than 3 years after March 30, 2009, and biennially thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that—

(1)

describes the status of the national geologic mapping program;

(2)

describes and evaluates the progress achieved during the preceding 2 years in developing the national geologic map database; and

(3)

includes any recommendations that the Secretary may have for legislative or other action to achieve the purposes of sections 31c through 31f of this title.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

(Pub. L. 102–285, § 8, as added Pub. L. 106–148, § 8, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1724; amended Pub. L. 111–11, title XI, § 11001(h), Mar. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1415.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 31g, Pub. L. 102–285, § 8, May 18, 1992, 106 Stat. 171; Pub. L. 103–437, § 16(a)(1), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4594; Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(f), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1111; Pub. L. 105–362, title IX, § 902(b), Nov. 10, 1998, 112 Stat. 3291, directed the Secretary to submit a biennial report to Congress describing the status of the nationwide geologic mapping program and evaluating the progress achieved during the preceding fiscal year in developing the national geologic-map data base, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 106–148, § 8, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1724.

Amendments

2009—Pub. L. 111–11 substituted “Not later than 3 years after March 30, 2009, and biennially” for “Not later 3 years after December 9, 1999, and biennially”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Resources of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Natural Resources of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Jan. 5, 2007.

§31h. Authorization of appropriations

43 U.S.C. § 31h

(a)

In general— There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out sections 31a to 31h 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; and

(2)

4 percent shall be available for the education component.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

(Pub. L. 102–285, § 9, as added Pub. L. 106–148, § 9, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1724; amended Pub. L. 111–11, title XI, § 11001(i), Mar. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1416; Pub. L. 116–9, title V, § 5002(a)(1), Mar. 12, 2019, 133 Stat. 768; Pub. L. 117–58, div. D, title II, § 40202(b), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 959.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Sections 31a to 31h of this title, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 102–285, known as the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992, which is classified principally to sections 31a to 31h of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 31a of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 31h, Pub. L. 102–285, § 9, May 18, 1992, 106 Stat. 171; Pub. L. 105–36, § 3(g), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1111, authorized appropriations for the national cooperative geologic mapping program, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 106–148, § 9, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1724.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–58 substituted “2031” for “2023”.

2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–9 substituted “2023” for “2018”.

2009—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(i)(1), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which appropriated funds to carry out sections 31a to 31h of this title for fiscal years 1999 to 2005.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(i)(2)(A), substituted “2005” for “2000” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(i)(2)(B), substituted “50” for “48”.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 111–11, § 11001(i)(2)(C), which directed amendment of par. (2) “by striking 2 and inserting ‘4’ ”, was executed by substituting “4” for “2”, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Wage Rate Requirements

For provisions relating to rates of wages to be paid to laborers and mechanics on projects for construction, alteration, or repair work funded under div. D or an amendment by div. D of Pub. L. 117–58, including authority of Secretary of Labor, see section 18851 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.