The Secretary of the Interior, in order to effectuate the policy declared in section 551 of this title, is hereby authorized-
(a) to conduct surveys, investigations, and research relating to the causes and extent of outcrop and underground fires in coal formations and the methods for control or extinguishment of such fires; to publish the results of any such surveys, investigations, and researches; and to disseminate information concerning such method; and
(b) to plan and execute projects for control or extinguishment of fires in coal formations.
(Aug. 31, 1954, ch. 1156, §3,