Congress would authorize $84 million for underground resource mapping

Congress would authorize $84 million for the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative. The authorization covers the federal mapping initiative. Lawmakers would still need to provide the money. The authorization covers fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

The mapping initiative may use modern sensing and analysis data and would list the U.S. Geological Survey’s 3D Hydrography Program among its data sources. The mapping covers critical minerals, underground heat, geologic hydrogen, and other underground resources.

The U.S. Geological Survey would favor certain U.S.-owned and U.S.-controlled contractors and require ownership disclosures. These rules cover contracts for the federal mapping initiative. The agency would give the preference when practical and would consider specialized expertise. Contractors would have to disclose who owns the main contractor and each subcontractor expected to work on the contract.