Bill Details
View committees (2)
View cosponsors (8)
AI Summary This summary was generated by AI from the bill text. AI can get information wrong.
This bill would require the U.S. Geological Survey to create a program to better understand sinkholes and map the places in the United States that are most at risk for them. The program would study why sinkholes happen, including the effects of extreme storms, long droughts, changes in water use, and the draining of underground water supplies. It would also create public maps showing areas with a higher chance of sinkhole formation. The maps would be updated at least every five years, or sooner if needed, and posted on a public website for local planners and emergency officials. The work would depend on money being provided by Congress.
- The survey would study both short-term and long-term causes of sinkholes.
- The mapping would use 3D elevation data already collected under another federal program.
- The maps would be reviewed and updated at least once every five years.
- A public website would show the maps and other helpful information for community planning and emergency response.
Official Summaries
Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025
This bill directs the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to establish a program to
- study the short-term and long-term mechanisms that cause sinkholes, including extreme storm events, prolonged droughts causing shifts in water management practices, aquifer depletion, and other major changes in water use; and
- develop maps, using three-dimensional elevation data, that depict zones that are at greater risk of forming sinkholes.
The USGS must establish a public website that displays such maps and other relevant information critical for use by community planners and emergency managers.
Current Full Text
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 900 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 900
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
July 15, 2025
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To direct the Director of the United States Geological Survey to
establish a program to map zones that are at greater risk of sinkhole
formation, and for other purposes.
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 ``Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025''.
SEC. 2. SINKHOLE HAZARD IDENTIFICATION.
(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations made
in advance for such purpose, the Director of the United States
Geological Survey shall establish a program to--
(1) study the short-term and long-term mechanisms that
cause sinkholes, including extreme storm events, prolonged
droughts causing shifts in water management practices, aquifer
depletion, and other major changes in water use; and
(2) develop maps that depict zones that are at greater risk
of sinkhole formation.
(b) Use of Certain Data.--In developing maps under subsection
(a)(2), the Director of the United States Geological Survey shall
utilize 3D elevation data (as that term is defined in section 2 of the
National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3101)) collected
pursuant to section 5 of that Act (43 U.S.C. 3104).
(c) Review of Maps.--Once during each 5-year period, or more often
as the Director of the United States Geological Survey determines is
necessary, the Director shall assess the need to revise and update the
maps developed under this section.
(d) Website.--The Director of the United States Geological Survey
shall establish and maintain a public website that displays the maps
developed under this section and other relevant information critical
for use by community planners and emergency managers.
Passed the House of Representatives July 14, 2025.
Attest:
KEVIN F. MCCUMBER,
Clerk.