Subcommittee hearing makes case to reauthorize USGS Earth MRI as IIJA funds near expiration

Congressional members and federal and academic witnesses urged reauthorization of the U.S. Geological Survey's Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, saying the program's modern geophysical surveys and public data have accelerated exploration, supported infrastructure planning and helped derisk private investment.

Dr. Colin Williams, program coordinator for the USGS Mineral Resources Program, told the subcommittee that Earth MRI, launched in 2019 following executive order 13817, integrates airborne geophysics, high-resolution topography and geochemistry to build a national picture of critical-mineral potential. "This program is providing insights essential to securing our mineral supply chains," Williams said. He highlighted partnerships with 46 states and territories and the creation of a National Mine Waste Inventory.

The hearing centered on funding: Representative Ansari noted Congress provided $320 million over five years through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and warned that supplemental IIJA funding expires at the end of the fiscal year. Williams and other witnesses described Earth MRI as a scalable program but said the anticipated drop from roughly $74 million per year (combined IIJA and annual appropriations) to an expected ~ $16 million in annual appropriations next year would slow progress. "We would appreciate that endorsement of a long-term commitment," Williams said when asked about reauthorization.

Support for continuation crossed party lines. Dr. Nicholas Heyman, president-elect of the Association of American State Geologists, said Earth MRI works in the precompetitive space and has provided tens of millions of dollars to state surveys, enabling state capacity-building. Industry witness Jeff Levin, representing mapping firms, said the private sector can supply crucial airborne-survey capacity but that some sensor technologies remain internationally sourced, which raises strategic concerns.

Witnesses and members also emphasized non-mineral uses of the data, including groundwater assessment, geothermal prospecting and hazard mapping. Representative Grijalva urged that mapping be used to flag areas where development may be inappropriate and to ensure meaningful tribal consultation.

The subcommittee left the record open for additional written questions; members framed reauthorization as necessary to sustain partnerships, preserve workforce gains and maintain momentum in filling longstanding gaps in U.S. geologic data.