Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025

The Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025 would direct the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to create a program that studies how sinkholes form and to map areas that are at greater risk of sinkhole formation. The program would use 3D elevation data (as defined by the National Landslide Preparedness Act) and consider a range of drivers—such as extreme storms, drought-related water management changes, aquifer depletion, and other shifts in water use. The bill requires regular review and potential updates to the risk maps, and it mandates a public website to share the maps and other information useful to community planners and emergency managers. Funding would be contingent on appropriations, meaning the program would need congressional funding to operate. In short, the bill aims to provide nationwide, data-driven guidance on where sinkholes are most likely to occur, enabling better planning, preparedness, and emergency response. It relies on existing high-quality elevation data and emphasizes accessible public information to help local governments and responders manage sinkhole risk.