---
kind: "range"
citation: "43 U.S.C. §§ 31a–31h"
title: "43"
from: "31a"
to: "31h"
count: 8
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/43/31a..31h"
---

# §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).