Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2023

Hozzl · 2023-12-15T15:57:25Z

Explore the details of House Bill 2855 Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2023 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Science, Technology, Communications. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/15/2023, 3:57 PM

Summary of Bill HR 2855

Bill 118 hr 2855, also known as the Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of improving the mapping and monitoring of sinkholes across the country.

The bill requires the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to create a comprehensive national database of sinkholes, including their location, size, and potential risk factors. This database will be made available to the public and other relevant government agencies to help better understand and mitigate the risks associated with sinkholes.

Additionally, the bill allocates funding for research and development of new technologies to improve the detection and monitoring of sinkholes. This includes the use of satellite imagery, ground-penetrating radar, and other advanced techniques to identify sinkholes before they become a threat to public safety. Overall, the Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2023 aims to increase awareness and preparedness for sinkhole hazards, ultimately helping to protect communities and infrastructure from the potentially devastating effects of sinkhole collapses.

Congressional Summary of HR 2855

Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2023

This bill directs the United States 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 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.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 2855

Bill HR 2855 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 25, 2023. Bill HR 2855 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on April 25, 2023. Bill HR 2855's most recent activity was Subcommittee Hearings Held as of October 25, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2855

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 2855

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

- Public Lands and Natural Resources

- Water use and supply

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2855

Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2023

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.