National Geologic Mapping Act Reauthorization Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4033, and I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Brown) to give his remarks.

This bill would extend the tenure of a very successful bedrock science program for an additional 5 years, as well as make some technical changes to the law.

Since 1992, the National Geologic Mapping Act has supported geologic mapping in the United States through the establishment of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, or NCGMP. The NCGMP is responsible for supporting geologic mapping within the United States and has done so successfully for over 25 years by supporting efforts at the Federal, State, and university levels.

Geologic maps are used in several important ways: mineral, energy, and water resource exploration; geoscience research; toxic and nuclear waste disposal; environmental land use planning; decreasing the impact of natural hazards; constructing and maintaining infrastructure; and much more.

Reliable and accurate geologic mapping is underappreciated by, and in most cases invisible to, the public, but it underpins huge sectors of our economy and is essential for improving the health and safety of every American.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representatives Lamborn and Brown for their work on this bill and am happy to voice my support of it.

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