Dusty Johnson: “today I proudly introduce the Remote Sensing Applications Act of 2004. Remote sensing technology is utilized to map and…”

“today I proudly introduce the Remote Sensing Applications Act of 2004. Remote sensing technology is utilized to map and monitor the surface of the globe. The data we recover through remote sensing equipment contributes to our ability to evaluate and measure a wide scope of variables. The Federal Government incorporates remote sensing data to accomplish many critical tasks from monitoring global food supply and environmental developments to enhancing our national security initiatives. The Landsat program, for example, has collected and distributed a 32-year continuous record of the land surfaces of the world. The program has become so successful that a significant portion of the program's budget is recovered through outside data-sales. Despite the overwhelming success of our remote sensing programs, many state, local, and tribal government may not be familiar with the data or how to apply the data to meet local needs. In addition, there remains significant opportunities for private industry to develop specialized and profit making adaptations based on remote sensing data. The Remote Sensing Applications Act directs the United States Geological Survey to invest in pilot projects to explore the integrated use of sources of remote sensing information to address State, local, regional and tribal needs.”