USGS Earth Mapping Initiative Cooperative Agreement Notice

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a notice requesting public comment on the renewal of an information collection related to the Earth Mapping Initiative (Earth MRI). The comment period closes on May 18, 2026.

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What changed

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking public comment on the renewal of an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) concerning the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI). This initiative, authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to modernize geologic mapping in the United States. The notice specifically requests feedback on the necessity, accuracy, utility, and clarity of the proposed information collection, as well as methods to minimize respondent burden.

Interested parties must submit comments by May 18, 2026, via the Regulations.gov portal or by U.S. Mail. This is an opportunity for stakeholders to influence the data collection requirements and ensure the information gathered is practical and minimizes reporting burdens. While no direct penalties are mentioned for non-compliance with this comment request, participation is crucial for shaping the future data collection framework for the Earth MRI program.

What to do next

Review the USGS notice regarding the Earth Mapping Initiative information collection.
Submit comments on the proposed information collection by May 18, 2026, via Regulations.gov or U.S. Mail.

Source document (simplified)

Content

ACTION:

Notice of information collection; request for comment.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is proposing to renew an information
collection.

DATES:

Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before May 18, 2026.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by one of the following methods:

Internet: https://www.regulations.gov. Search for and submit comments on Docket No. USGS-2026-0034.

U.S. Mail: USGS, Information Collections Clearance Officer, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 159, Reston, VA 20192.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Tina Hamalak by email at earthmri@usgs.gov, or by telephone at 303-236-5766. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech
disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United
States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in the
United States.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

In accordance with the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), all information collections require approval under the PRA. An agency may not

  conduct or sponsor, nor is an individual required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently
  valid OMB control number.

As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens, we invite the public and other Federal agencies
to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps us assess the impact of our information
collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. It also helps the public understand our information collection
requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format.

We are especially interested in public comments addressing the following:

(1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including
whether or not the information will have practical utility.

(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection of information, including the validity of the methodology
and assumptions used.

(3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) How the agency might minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through
the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information
technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of response.

Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment
in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personally
identifiable information (PII) in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your PII—may be made
publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your PII from public review, we cannot guarantee
that we will be able to do so.

Abstract: Public Law 117-58, Section 40201, “Earth Mapping Resources Initiative” contained in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
Act (IIJA) authorizes and accelerates the mapping efforts of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI).

Earth MRI is a component of the USGS Mineral Resources Program and is a national effort to carry out the fundamental resources
and mapping mission of the USGS. The goal of Earth MRI is to modernize the surface and subsurface geologic mapping of the
United States, with a focus on identifying areas that may have the potential to contain mineral resources.

The IIJA directed the USGS to accelerate efforts to carry out fundamental integrated topographic, geologic, geochemical, and
geophysical mapping and provide interpretation of subsurface and above-ground (mine waste) critical-mineral resources data
at a funding level of $320,000,000 annually for five years (FY2022-FY2026). Additionally, Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing
American Energy” (January 20, 2025), directed the Department in section 9(d) to “accelerate the ongoing, detailed geological
mapping of the United States, with a focus on locating previously unknown deposits of critical minerals.”

IIJA Section 40201 stipulates that the USGS may enter into cooperative agreements with State geological surveys to carry out
the efforts of Earth MRI. The USGS developed a new competitive cooperative agreement program with the State geological surveys
to support mine-waste activities authorized by the IIJA. State geological surveys apply for funds through an annual competitive
agreement process. Individual State projects last for up to two years.

The IIJA requires the USGS to collect information necessary to ensure that cooperative-agreement funds authorized by this
legislation are used in accordance with the IIJA and Federal assistance requirements under 2 CFR 200. Information collected
by Earth MRI as part of the consolidated workplan is described below. The USGS seeks Office of Management and Budget approval
to continue to collect this information to manage and monitor cooperative agreement awards and comply with the IIJA and Federal
assistance requirements.

Title of Collection: Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) Competitive Cooperative Agreement Program with State Geological Surveys.

OMB Control Number: 1028-0133.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents/Affected Public: State Geological Surveys.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 25.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 125.

Estimated Completion Time per Response: Applications: 25 × 60 hrs. = 1,500 hrs.

Progress Reports: 25 recipients × (3 reports × 8 hrs.) = 600 hrs.

Final Reports: 25 × 20 hrs. = 500 hrs.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 1,500 + 600 + 500 = 2,600 hrs.

Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.

Frequency of Collection: On occasion.

Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: None.

The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

Alicia Lindauer, Acting Associate Director of Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, U.S. Geological Survey. [FR Doc. 2026-05258 Filed 3-17-26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4388-11-P