Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025
Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025 – Summary **What the Bill Does** The Sinkhole Mapping Act would require the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to study what causes sinkholes and create detailed maps showing which areas are at highest risk of developing them. The bill focuses on understanding how various factors—like severe storms, droughts, water depletion, and changes in how water is managed—trigger sinkholes.
The USGS would then make these maps publicly available online so city planners and emergency managers can use the information for preparation and disaster response. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects communities in sinkhole-prone areas (particularly Florida and other regions with geological vulnerability), local government agencies responsible for emergency planning, and property owners in at-risk zones. The maps and research would help these groups better understand and prepare for sinkhole risks. The bill also affects the USGS, which would take on the responsibility of conducting the research and maintaining the mapping program. **Current Status** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting action in the Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025This bill directs the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to establish a program tostudy 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; anddevelop 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.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.