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H.R. 900 · House bill · 119th Congress
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.
This Act may be cited as the “Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025”.
(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.