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HR9640119th Congress

Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]

In Committee

Summary

Would expand Earth MRI's data scope and funding to improve maps of critical minerals, geothermal resources, natural hydrogen, and other subsurface systems. The bill would allow modern sensing technologies, digital geochemistry, real-time or near-real-time data streams, and data-driven analytics to be used, add the U.S. Geological Survey's 3D Hydrography Program as a data source, and extend program authority through 2031.

Show full summary
  • Federal mapping programs: Would let Earth MRI integrate USGS 3D hydrography data to better link water and subsurface information for national maps.
  • Mineral and clean-energy developers: Would provide richer geophysical and geochemical data to target critical mineral deposits, geothermal prospects, and natural hydrogen resources.
  • Researchers and planners: Would expand access to modern, near-real-time data and analytics to support exploration, land-use decisions, and resource assessments.

*Would authorize $84.0 million for Earth MRI for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More subsurface mapping data and funds

If enacted, the bill would let the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative use more kinds of sensing and geochemistry data. This includes advanced geophysics, digital geochemistry, real-time data, and data-driven analytics. It would add the USGS 3D Hydrography Program as an eligible data source. It would authorize $84 million for Earth MRI for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, helping researchers, state agencies, and data users get better subsurface maps.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]

VA • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]

    MI • D

    Sponsored 7/9/2026

  • Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]

    NV • D

    Sponsored 9/1/2026

  • Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3]

    TN • R

    Sponsored 9/14/2026

  • Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]

    OK • R

    Sponsored 9/14/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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