US Senators Introduce Geospatial Data ACT

U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch, R-UT, and Mark Warner, D-VA, have introduced a bill into the US Senate aimed at better coordination and access of geospatial data.

Sen. Hatch said, “The federal government wastes vast amounts of taxpayer dollars by not properly managing and coordinating our federal investments in geospatial data. This commonsense legislation will improve coordination, reduce duplication, and promote data transparency.”

“Geospatial data has endless possibilities for transforming both the private and public sectors — from helping local governments develop emergency preparedness plans to fueling the creation of apps that let you find parking spots, restaurants, and even homes for sale based on where you’re standing,” said Sen. Warner. “The federal government is the largest purchaser of geospatial data but some very basic questions about how and where agencies are already investing in this data can’t be answered. Our bill would bring transparency and accountability to the collection of this data and ensure that taxpayer dollars are not being wasted on duplicative efforts.”

You can read full text of the bill here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/740/text

If you support this bill, please send letters of support to your Senate representatives.