S.J.R. 16


Senate Joint Resolution No. 16--Committee on Natural 
    Resources

                  March 10, 1995
                 _____________

    Referred to Committee on Natural Resources


SUMMARY--Urges Congress to maintain United States 
          Geological Survey. (BDR R-1653)

FISCAL NOTE:  Effect on Local Government: No.
              Effect on the State or on Industrial Insurance: No.



EXPLANATION--Matter in italics is new; matter in bra
ckets [ ] is material to be omitted.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION--Urging Congress to maintain the United States 
        Geological Survey.


  WHEREAS, The United States Geological Survey 
was established by Congress in 1879; and
  WHEREAS, In preparing the budget for the next 
federal fiscal year, Congress is considering the elimination 
of the United States Geological Survey; and 
  WHEREAS, The United States Geological Survey 
has provided valuable services in measuring and studying the 
quality and quantity of the surface-water and ground-water 
resources of the State of Nevada; and
  WHEREAS, The data provided by the United 
States Geological Survey is vital to the services provided 
by the State Engineer and other governmental and educational 
entities within the State of Nevada which are responsible 
for the control of floods, the teaching of biological 
sciences, the protection and preservation of endangered 
species and the protection of water quality; and
  WHEREAS, It is imperative that the United 
States Geological Survey continue its studies of the 
hydrology and geology of the State of Nevada before a 
decision is made concerning the possible disposal of high-
level radioactive waste in the State of Nevada; and
  WHEREAS, It is anticipated that if the United 
States Geological Survey is maintained, it will continue its 
cooperation with the State of Nevada and assist in several 
projects essential to the future of the State of Nevada, 
including, without limitation:
  1.  A study of the cumulative effects of mining below the 
water table in the northeastern portion of the State of 
Nevada;
  2.  An analysis of reasonable alternatives for resolving 
disputes concerning various rivers in the State of Nevada;
  3.  Studies of possible policies and programs to meet the 
rapidly growing requirements for water in Clark County, 
Nevada; and
  4.  An analysis of the deep carbonate systems underlying 
much of the eastern and southern portions of the State of 
Nevada;
now, therefore, be it
  RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF 
NEVADA, JOINTLY, That the Nevada Legislature urges 
Congress to maintain the United States Geological Survey; 
and be it further
  RESOLVED, That the Secretary of the Senate 
of the State of Nevada prepare and transmit a copy of this 
resolution to the Vice President of the United States as 
presiding officer of the Senate of the United States, the 
Speaker of the House of Representatives, each member of the 
Nevada Congressional Delegation, the Director of the United 
States Geological Survey, the Secretary of the Interior and 
the Assistant Secretary for Water and Science of the 
Department of the Interior; and be it further
  RESOLVED, That this resolution becomes 
effective upon passage and approval.

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