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Title 42 — The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-73

§7709 Scientific Earthquake Studies Advisory Committee

Title 42 › Chapter CHAPTER 86— - EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS REDUCTION › § 7709

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Director of the United States Geological Survey must create a Scientific Earthquake Studies Advisory Committee of up to 10 nonfederal experts, with one member serving as chair. Members must have strong records and offer a range of views. The Director should consider recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences and professional groups. The chair and Director set meeting times. The committee advises the USGS on its role, goals, needs, and performance in the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and must send an annual report to the Director for Congress by September 30 describing its work and related policy issues.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §7709

The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)The Director of the United States Geological Survey shall establish a Scientific Earthquake Studies Advisory Committee.
(b)The Director shall establish procedures for selection of individuals not employed by the Federal Government who are qualified in the seismic sciences and other appropriate fields and may, pursuant to such procedures, select up to 10 individuals, one of whom shall be designated Chairman, to serve on the Advisory Committee. Selection of individuals for the Advisory Committee shall be based solely on established records of distinguished service, and the Director shall ensure that a reasonable cross-section of views and expertise is represented. In selecting individuals to serve on the Advisory Committee, the Director shall seek and give due consideration to recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences, professional societies, and other appropriate organizations.
(c)The Advisory Committee shall meet at such times and places as may be designated by the Chairman in consultation with the Director.
(d)The Advisory Committee shall advise the Director on matters relating to the United States Geological Survey’s participation in the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, including the United States Geological Survey’s roles, goals, and objectives within that Program, its capabilities and research needs, guidance on achieving major objectives, and establishing and measuring performance goals. The Advisory Committee shall issue an annual report to the Director for submission to Congress on or before September 30 of each year. The report shall describe the Advisory Committee’s activities and address policy issues or matters that affect the United States Geological Survey’s participation in the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

Codification Section was enacted as part of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Authorization Act of 2000, and not as part of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination of Advisory CommitteesAdvisory committees established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a committee established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such committee is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a committee established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided for by law. See section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 7709

Title 42 — The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73