Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025

Floor Speech

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 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, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 900

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025''. SEC. 2. SINKHOLE HAZARD IDENTIFICATION.

(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.

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Mr. WESTERMAN. 900, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Representative Soto's bill, H.R. 900, the Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025.

Sinkholes are a natural hazard that cost the United States Government approximately $300 million per year and pose a serious threat to public safety.

Sinkholes occur when there is a lack of proper external surface drainage so when a heavy rainstorm comes through and the ground cannot drain the water properly a void may form underground. From that point on, it is often simply a waiting game until the ground gives out and a dangerous sinkhole develops.

This bill would require the Director of the United States Geological Survey to establish a program that examines the short- and long-term causes of sinkholes. This research would provide the government with more accurate data on the costs incurred from these hazards.

The program would also create maps of areas most at risk of sinkholes, analyze the areas with the greatest risk of experiencing a sudden sinkhole and make maps publicly available to help community planners and government agencies prepare for and avoid these catastrophes.
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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Soto's bill will help leverage modern technology and mapping data to gain a better understanding of the sinkhole hazards facing the country and empower local communities to prepare for and mitigate these hazards.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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