National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 2005
Key claim: This 2005 Senate-passed bill would have reauthorized the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program through 2015, steered mapping toward Interior land-management needs, dropped a geophysical and geochemical database goal, and given states and universities a larger share of the money.
Abstract
(S485 · 109th Congress) National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 2005 - Amends the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 to extend deadlines for development of a five-year strategic plan for the geologic mapping program and for appointment of the advisory committee. Removes from program objectives the development of a geophysical- and geochemical-map database. Directs that mapping priorities be based in part on the needs of the Department of the Interior land management agencies. Modifies the composition of the advisory committee and increases the number of members on such committee. Requires the advisory committee to 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. Directs that the national geologic map database include all maps developed with funding provided by the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, including under the federal, state, and education components. Authorizes appropriations for each of FY2006-FY2015. Increases the percentages allocated for the state and education components. Latest action (2005-11-17): Held at the desk.
Why this matters
Reauthorizations of small USGS programs like the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program are where the practical funding formulas — federal vs. state-survey vs. university shares — actually get set, so even a bill that dies in the House shows what the Senate viewed as the right balance. The 2005 version’s shift toward Interior land-management priorities and away from a national geophysical/geochemical database also illustrates how reauthorizations quietly redirect what data gets produced for whom.