2026-05258Notice

Mapping Earth's Treasures: USGS Renews State Survey Program

Published Date: 3/18/2026

Notice

Summary

The U.S. Geological Survey is renewing its info collection for the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) program, which helps state geological surveys map and study Earth’s resources. This means states involved will keep sharing important data, helping the government plan better and reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until May 18, 2026, to share your thoughts, so don’t miss out!

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Large Federal Funding Level Specified

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act authorized mapping at a funding level of $320,000,000 annually for five years (FY2022–FY2026) to support Earth MRI mapping efforts. The notice cites that funding level in describing Earth MRI's accelerated mapping mission.

Competitive Cooperative Agreements, Two-Year Projects

The USGS will continue a competitive cooperative agreement program through which State Geological Surveys apply annually for funds; individual State projects may last up to two years. The information collection supports managing and monitoring those awards and ensuring compliance with IIJA and Federal assistance requirements under 2 CFR 200.

State Surveys Must Submit Applications

State geological surveys must continue to submit information to apply for Earth MRI cooperative agreements. The notice estimates 25 annual respondents, 125 annual responses, and a total annual respondent burden of 2,600 hours (applications: 25 x 60 hours; progress reports: 25 x 3 x 8 hours; final reports: 25 x 20 hours).

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this regulation affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Key Dates

Published Date
Comments Due
3/18/2026
5/18/2026

Department and Agencies

Department
Independent Agency
Agency
Interior Department
Geological Survey
Source: View HTML

Related Federal Register Documents

Previous / Next Documents

Back to Federal Register

Take It Personal

Get Your Personalized Policy View

Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.

Already have an account? Sign in