The U.S. government recently submitted a budget request to Congress for fiscal year 2025, which includes $1.6 billion in funding for the U.S. Geological Survey, down 10.4% from the previous year. The budget is for the USGS to carry out basic, public service geological survey work related to land surveys, critical mineral exploration, groundwater monitoring, and biological system protection. It is reported that the budget will focus on supporting four areas of work: First, to increase the exploration of key minerals, to provide decision-makers with information and risk research in the field of national energy and resources security. The second is to support the Landsat Mission, a joint project between the United States Geological Survey and NASA.
The project will provide farmers, land managers and other decision makers with open geological survey data and scientific management basis. Third, enhance comprehensive laboratory research capabilities. The U.S. government plans to provide $1.7 million to support the construction and research efforts of the USGS Integrated Laboratory to ensure the authority and reliability of the relevant data and information it provides. Fourth, provide drought-related data and information and response measures. Provide comprehensive groundwater data and assessments for decision makers through groundwater monitoring and other related work. In addition, the U.S. government said it would request additional funding for the U.S. Geological Survey to meet the Department of the Interior's scientific needs in the area of ecosystem conservation.
