A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 709.
Cleared committee, waiting for its first floor vote
A committee approved it and it is on the calendar of the chamber it started in.
This is further than most bills get, and still no promise of a vote: the calendar is a queue, and the majority leadership decides what is called. A bill can sit here until the Congress ends.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026," seeks to amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It aims to reauthorize the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative for the years 2027 through 2031. The legislation also updates how data is handled by including modern sensing technologies like digital geochemistry and real-time data systems. Additionally, it integrates the 3D Hydrography Program into the existing framework.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +3
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill funds advanced sensing and geological characterization technologies.
- Scored +2
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?
The initiative supports the characterization of geothermal and hydrogen resources essential for clean energy.
- Scored +2
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?
Better data on subsurface resources improves the management of public lands.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Resource Characterization: The bill updates the initiative to include modern sensing technologies, digital geochemistry, and real-time data acquisition. This is intended to improve the characterization of critical mineral, geothermal, natural hydrogen, and other subsurface resource systems (Section 2(a)).
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Extended Program Duration: By changing the timeline from 2022-2026 to 2027-2031, the bill ensures the continued operation of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Section 2(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — Better data on subsurface resources improves the management of public lands. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The initiative supports the characterization of geothermal and hydrogen resources essential for clean energy. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The focus on mapping resources may aid in more efficient and targeted resource extraction. Does this invest in rural communities? — Mapping geological resources can benefit rural economies reliant on natural resources.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Improved resource data can benefit companies involved in mineral and energy extraction. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The mapping of subsurface resources can lead to increased activity in rural areas. Would union members be better off under this? — Continued resource initiatives may provide stability for resource-sector workers.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Improved characterization of critical minerals and energy resources can support long-term economic growth. Is this likely to create jobs? — The extension of resource mapping initiatives may support job creation in the mining and energy sectors.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill funds advanced sensing and geological characterization technologies.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The focus on real-time data acquisition improves the transparency of resource characterization.
- 11/12/2026
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Lee with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 709.
- 9/30/2026
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 9/16/2026
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.
- 6/23/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
John HickenlooperDemocrat · Colorado