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Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025

7/17/2025, 4:48 PM

Summary of Bill HR 900

Bill 119 HR 900, also known as the Sinkhole Mapping Act, aims to address the issue of sinkhole formation in the United States. The bill directs the Director of the United States Geological Survey to establish a program specifically focused on mapping zones that are at a higher risk of sinkhole formation.

The program outlined in the bill will utilize the expertise of the USGS to identify and map areas where sinkholes are more likely to occur. This information will be crucial for communities and local governments to better understand and prepare for potential sinkhole hazards.

In addition to mapping high-risk zones, the bill also includes provisions for the USGS to collaborate with state and local agencies, as well as academic institutions, to gather data and develop strategies for mitigating sinkhole risks. This collaborative approach will ensure that the mapping program is comprehensive and effective in addressing the issue. Overall, the Sinkhole Mapping Act is a proactive measure to improve public safety and infrastructure resilience in the face of sinkhole hazards. By identifying and mapping high-risk zones, communities will be better equipped to plan and respond to potential sinkhole events.

Congressional Summary of HR 900

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 Status of Bill HR 900

Bill HR 900 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since July 15, 2025. Bill HR 900 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 31, 2025.  Bill HR 900's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. as of July 15, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 900

Total Number of Sponsors
15
Democrat Sponsors
15
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
19
Democrat Cosponsors
14
Republican Cosponsors
5
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 900

Primary Policy Focus

Emergency Management

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 900

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.
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.

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