Volume 142, No. 114 covering the 2nd Session of the 104th Congress (1995 - 1996) was published by the Congressional Record.
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAPPING REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1996” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H8680-H8682 on July 30, 1996.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAPPING REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1996
Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3198) to reauthorize and amend the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 3198
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1996''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) in enacting the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992
(43 U.S.C. 31a et seq.), Congress found, among other things, that--
(A) during the 2 decades preceding enactment of that Act, the production of geologic maps had been drastically curtailed;
(B) geologic maps are the primary data base for virtually all applied and basic earth-science investigations;
(C) 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;
(D) the lack of proper geologic maps has led to the poor design of such structures as dams and waste-disposal facilities;
(E) geologic maps have proven indispensable in the search for needed fossil fuel and mineral resources; and
(F) 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;
(2) the geologic mapping program called for by that Act has not been fully implemented; and
(3) it is time for this important program to be fully implemented.
SEC. 3. REAUTHORIZATION AND AMENDMENT.
(a) Definitions.--Section 3 of the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 (43 U.S.C. 31b) is amended--
(1) by striking ``As used in this Act:'' and inserting ``In this Act:'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) as paragraphs (3), (4), (5), and (6), respectively;
(3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Association.--The term `Association' means the Association of American State Geologists.''; and
(4) in each paragraph that does not have a heading, by inserting a heading, in the same style as the heading in paragraph (2), as added by paragraph (3), the text of which is comprised of the term defined in the paragraph.
(b) Geologic Mapping Program.--Section 4 of the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 (43 U.S.C. 31c) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(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.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the subsection heading by striking ``USGS'' and inserting ``the Survey'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by single-indenting the paragraphs, double-indenting the subparagraphs, and triple indenting the clauses;
(ii) by inserting ``Lead agency.--'' before ``The Survey'';
(iii) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``Committee on Natural Resources'' and inserting ``Committee on Resources''; and
(II) by striking ``date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``date of enactment of the National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1996'';
(iv) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by striking ``State geological surveys'' and inserting
``Association''; and
(II) by striking ``date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``date of enactment of the National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1996''; and
(v) in subparagraph (C)--
(I) by striking ``date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``date of enactment of the National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1996'';
(II) by striking ``Committee on Natural Resources'' and inserting ``Committee on Resources'';
(III) in clauses (i) and (ii) by inserting ``and the Association'' after ``the Survey'';
(IV) by adding ``and'' at the end of clause (ii); and
(V) by striking ``; and'' at the end of clause (iii) and all that follows through the end of the subparagraph and inserting a period; and
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by inserting ``Responsibilities of the secretary.--'' before ``In addition to''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``State geological surveys'' and inserting ``Association'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2) by striking ``interpretive'' and inserting ``interpretative''; and
(B) in paragraph (4) by striking ``awareness for'' and inserting ``awareness of''; and
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``Federal component.--'' before ``A Federal'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by inserting ``Support component.--'' before ``A geologic''; and
(ii) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the following:
``(D) 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;'';
(C) in paragraph (3) by inserting ``State component.--'' before ``A State''; and
(D) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) Education component.--A geologic mapping education component--
``(A) the objectives of which shall be--
``(i) to develop the academic programs that teach earth-science students the fundamental principles of geologic mapping and field analysis; and
``(ii) to provide for broad education in geologic mapping and field analysis through support of field studies;
``(B) investigations under which shall be integrated with the other mapping components of the geologic mapping program and shall respond to priorities identified for those components; and
``(C) Federal funding for which shall be matched by non-Federal sources on a 1-to-1 basis.''.
(c) Advisory Committee.--Section 5 of the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 (43 U.S.C. 31d) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) Establishment.--
``(1) In general.--There shall be established a 10-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 Energy or a designee, the Secretary of Agriculture or a designee, and the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology or a designee.
``(3) Appointed members.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1996, in consultation with the Association, the Secretary shall appoint to the advisory committee 2 representatives from the Survey (including the Chief Geologist, as Chairman), 2 representatives from the State geological surveys, 1 representative from academia, and 1 representative from the private sector.''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(3) by striking ``and State'' and inserting ``, State, and university''.
(d) Geologic Mapping Program Implementation Plan.--Section 6 of the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 (43 U.S.C. 31e) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``cooperative'' after
``national'';
(2) by striking paragraph (3)(C) and inserting the following:
``(C) for the State geologic mapping component, a priority-setting mechanism that responds to--
``(i) specific intrastate needs for geologic-map information; and
``(ii) interstate needs shared by adjacent entities that have common requirements; and'';
(3) by striking paragraphs (4) and (5) and inserting the following:
``(4) a mechanism for adopting scientific and technical mapping standards for preparing and publishing general-purpose and special-purpose geologic maps to--
``(A) ensure uniformity of cartographic and scientific conventions; and
``(B) provide a basis for judgment as to the comparability and quality of map products; and''; and
(4) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (5).
(e) National Geologic-Map Data Base.--Section 7 of the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 (43 U.S.C. 31f) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(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.''.
(f) Annual Report.--Section 8 of the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 (43 U.S.C. 31g) is amended in the first sentence--
(1) by striking ``Committee on Natural Resources'' and inserting ``Committee on Resources''; and
(2) by striking ``program, and describing and evaluating progress'' and inserting ``program and describing and evaluating the progress''.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 9 of the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 (43 U.S.C. 31h) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the national cooperative geologic mapping program under this Act--
``(1) $24,000,000 for fiscal year 1997;
``(2) $26,000,000 for fiscal year 1998;
``(3) $28,000,000 for fiscal year 1999; and
``(4) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2000.
``(b) Allocation of Appropriated Funds.--
``(1) In general.--Of the amount of funds that are appropriated under subsection (a) for any fiscal year up to the amount that is equal to the amount appropriated to carry out the national cooperative geologic mapping program for fiscal year 1996--
``(A) not less than 20 percent shall be allocated to State mapping activities; and
``(B) not less than 2 percent shall be allocated to educational mapping activities.
``(2) Increased appropriations.--Of the amount of funds that are appropriated under subsection (a) for any fiscal year up to the amount that exceeds the amount appropriated to carry out the national cooperative geologic mapping program for fiscal year 1996--
``(A) for fiscal year 1997--
``(i) 76 percent shall be allocated for Federal mapping and support mapping activities;
``(ii) 22 percent shall be allocated for State mapping activities; and
``(iii) 2 percent shall be allocated for educational mapping activities;
``(B) for fiscal year 1998--
``(i) 75 percent shall be allocated for Federal mapping and support mapping activities;
``(ii) 23 percent shall be allocated for State mapping activities; and
``(iii) 2 percent shall be allocated for educational mapping activities;
``(C) for fiscal year 1999--
``(i) 74 percent shall be allocated for Federal mapping and support mapping activities;
``(ii) 24 percent shall be allocated for State mapping activities; and
``(iii) 2 percent shall be allocated for educational mapping activities; and
``(D) for fiscal year 2000--
``(i) 73 percent shall be allocated for Federal mapping and support mapping activities;
``(ii) 25 percent shall be allocated for State mapping activities; and
``(iii) 2 percent shall be allocated for educational mapping activities.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from California [Mr. Calvert] and the gentleman from South Dakota [Mr. Johnson] each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California [Mr. Calvert].
Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
(Mr. CALVERT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3198, a bill to reauthorize and amend the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 which established a cooperative program between the U.S. Geological Survey, the various State geological surveys, and academia. After 4 years, it is time to reauthorize this program for another 4 years and to modify its terms slightly based upon the experience the cooperators have gained.
First, let me say that our colleague from West Virginia, Nick Rahall, joined by a large bipartisan group of Members, was the lead sponsor of the bill which became law in 1992 first authorizing the cooperative geologic mapping program. That action was taken, Mr. Speaker, in the wake of a study by the National Academy of Sciences which expressed alarm at the decline of detailed geologic mapping efforts nationwide over the last decade.
The National Geologic Mapping Act then, as now, was a codification of
``cooperative federalism'' in that it expressly authorized the practice of the USGS using a small but significant portion of its geologic mapping budget to fund mapping projects of priority to the State geologic surveys on a 50/50 matching share basis. Furthermore, a component of the program was designed to set aside a smaller portion of the budget for universities to compete for funds to support student training in geologic mapping skills and field studies.
Mr. Speaker, the basic scientific endeavor of mapping the bedrock geology and surficial deposits of this country is the foundation upon which society's needs for identification and abatement of geologic hazards such as seismic zones, volcanic activity, and landslides. Such mapping is also key to delineation and protection of sources of safe drinking water, sound land-use planning, and initial mineral resources assessments as well.
Since its passage of the 1992 Act, staffing at the USGS, particularly for this type of work, has declined dramatically. A significant reduction-in-force in the Geologic Division begun by the fiscal year 1995 budget and continued last year has made it all the more necessary to full involve the State surveys in the priorization of national geologic mapping needs and cooperative use of their staffs to get the job done.
H.R. 3198 reauthorizes this cooperative program for 4 more years and establishes thresholds for the sharing of funds between the Federal, State, and academic components. In general, the administration has agreed to dedicate not less than 20 percent of the budget line for geologic mapping to the cooperative State map component, and not less than 2 percent to the educational component.
Mr. Speaker, by way of reference, the fiscal year 1996 appropriation for this subactivity of the USGS was approximately $22 million, meaning that $4 million is in the grant pool for matching with State moneys on geologic mapping projects upon approval by a peer review panel. The administration's fiscal year 1997 budget requested level funding for this program and the full House voted in agreement earlier this month on H.R. 3662, the Interior and Related Agencies appropriations bill.
H.R. 3198 will reauthorize this valuable program for 4 more years and ratify some very minor changes negotiated between the three participant groups--Feds, States, and academia. Specifically, these are definitional name changes, a slight modification of the congressional findings, and a paring down of the size of the Advisory Committee to the USGS Director. The current act has an unwieldly 16 member board. This reauthorization calls for downsized 10-member advisory board, made up of Federal representatives as well as State geologists and university members.
Mr. Speaker, let me finish by thanking the ranking member of the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee, Mr. Abercrombie of Hawaii, for his cooperation on this reauthorization. H.R. 3198 has the full support of the administration and I urge its passage.
{time} 1045
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Hawaii [Mr. Abercrombie], the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources of the Committee on Resources has been detained; however, I am advised that he is in full support of this legislation. The minority is in support of the legislation. The Clinton administration has expressed its support, and so we have no objection to this legislation. We support its passage.
Mr. Speaker, I will submit a statement from the gentleman from Hawaii
[Mr. Abercrombie] for the Record.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 3198, a bill that would reauthorize the 1992 Geologic Mapping Act through fiscal year 2000, and amend the act to designate that 20 percent of the total amount appropriated be allocated to the State component of the program. I would note that both the Clinton administration and the State Geologists support this bill.
Congress enacted the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992--Public Law 102-285 and 43 U.S.C. sections 31a-h--in order to expedite the production of a geologic map data base for the Nation, which can be applied to land-use management, assessment, and utilization, conservation of natural resources, groundwater management, and environmental protection. The act designated the U.S. Geological Survey as the Federal agency responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program. This program is carried out by a consortium of geologic mapping partners including State geological Surveys, universities, other Federal agencies, and the USGS.
Geologic maps are the primary data base for nearly 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. The current geologic map data base is inadequate to meet these needs and development of a comprehensive nationwide program of geologic mapping is required at a pace that responds to increasing demand for mapping in high-priority areas. The States and the USGS each conduct a yearly, needs-based survey to determine program priorities.
Improved geologic map information has been shown, using benefit-cost analyses, to be of significant value in many decisionmaking processes, including:
Exploring for and developing mineral, energy, and water resources;
Screening and characterizing sites for toxic and nuclear waste disposal;
Land use evaluation and planning for environmental protection;
Earthquake hazards reduction;
Predicting volcanic hazards;
Designing and constructing infrastructure requirements such as utility lifelines, transportation corridors, and surface-water impoundments;
Reducing losses from landslides and other ground failures;
Mitigating effects of coastal and stream erosion; and
Siting of critical facilities.
I urge my colleagues to support enactment of this bill.
Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Ewing). The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from California [Mr. Calvert] that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3198.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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