Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026
Latest action (30 Sep 2026): Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
What this bill does
S. 4870, the Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026, would extend funding for the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative. Specifically, it amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to allow the initiative to use advanced sensing technologies for data collection and analysis related to critical minerals, geothermal energy, natural hydrogen, and other subsurface resources. The bill also incorporates data from the 3D Hydrography Program into the initiative.
The reauthorization would extend the program's funding period from 2022-2026 to 2027-2031. This legislation affects federal agencies responsible for geological surveys and resource mapping, as well as industries involved in extracting or utilizing subsurface resources. It aims to improve the characterization of these resources through updated data and technologies.
This bill was introduced in the Senate and has been ordered reported by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources with an amendment. It now moves forward in the legislative process, where it could be considered by the full Senate for a vote. If passed by the Senate, it would then proceed to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
The committees assigned to this bill sent it to the House or Senate as a whole for consideration on September 30, 2026.
Timeline
30 Sep 2026
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Common questions
- What does S. 4870 do?
- S. 4870, the Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026, would extend funding for the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative. Specifically, it amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to allow the initiative to use advanced sensing technologies for data collection and analysis related to critical minerals, geothermal energy, natural hydrogen, and other subsurface resources. The bill also incorporates data from the 3D Hydrography Program into the initiative. The reauthorization would extend the program's funding period from 2022-2026 to 2027-2031. This legislation affects federal agencies responsible for geological surveys and resource mapping, as well as industries involved in extracting or utilizing subsurface resources. It aims to improve the characterization of these resources through updated data and technologies. This bill was introduced in the Senate and has been ordered reported by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources with an amendment. It now moves forward in the legislative process, where it could be considered by the full Senate for a vote. If passed by the Senate, it would then proceed to the House of Representatives for consideration.
- Has S. 4870 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Sep 2026, S. 4870 is ordered reported.
- Who sponsored S. 4870?
- S. 4870 was sponsored by Sen. Lisa Murkowski [R-AK] (Republican-AK), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 4870?
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. (30 Sep 2026).
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