Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2021

Hozzl · 2024-04-17T23:45:26Z

Explore the details of House Bill 3681 Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2021 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Science, Technology, Communications. Stay informed on legislative developments.

4/17/2024, 11:45 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3681

Bill 117 HR 3681, also known as the Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to improve the mapping and monitoring of sinkholes across the United States.

The bill requires the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to create and maintain a national database of sinkholes, including their location, size, and potential risk factors. This database will be made available to the public and other government agencies to help with disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Additionally, the bill authorizes funding for research and technology development to improve the accuracy and efficiency of sinkhole mapping. This includes the use of remote sensing technologies and geophysical surveys to identify and monitor sinkholes in real-time. Overall, the Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2021 aims to enhance the nation's understanding of sinkhole hazards and improve the ability to mitigate risks associated with these natural disasters. It is a bipartisan effort to protect communities and infrastructure from the potentially devastating effects of sinkholes.

Congressional Summary of HR 3681

Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2021

This bill directs the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to establish a program to map zones that are at greater risk of sinkhole formation.

Specifically, the USGS must

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 depicting the 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.

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Current Status of Bill HR 3681

Bill HR 3681 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 1, 2021. Bill HR 3681 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on June 1, 2021. Bill HR 3681's most recent activity was Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 494. as of December 30, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3681

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3681

Primary Policy Focus

Science, Technology, Communications

Potential Impact Areas

- Emergency planning and evacuation

- Geography and mapping

- Government information and archives

- Government studies and investigations

- Natural disasters

- Water use and supply

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3681

Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2021

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.

Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2021