[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 91 (Thursday, June 24, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     GRANT OF FEDERAL CHARTER TO THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE 
                               GEOLOGISTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 1999

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, today I along with the gentleman from 
Nevada, Jim Gibbons, are introducing a bill to grant a federal charter 
to the American Association of State Geologists. Indeed, the grant of a 
federal charter to this organization would have a direct correlation to 
the very first such charter ever granted by the Congress, in 1863 to 
the National Academy of Science. Both organizations are premised on 
serving the general public through scientific research and the 
advancement of knowledge.
  The American Association of State Geologists was established in 1908 
and today is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the 
science and practical application of geology and related earth 
sciences. Its membership is comprised to the heads of Geological 
Surveys in the various States, territories and commonwealths of the 
United States. In fact, the first State geological survey was 
established in 1823 in North Carolina and by the time the U.S. 
Geological Survey was established in 1879, 35 State geological surveys 
already existed.
  Over the past 91 years, the AASG has served the Nation and each and 
every State by bringing its unique and important state perspective to 
the deliberations of the federal government on issues related to or 
involving geology or geoscience. State geological surveys have 
generated and made publically available much of the geological and 
geoscience information and services that led to the growth of our 
Nation, its economic development, general prosperity, environmental 
quality and the quality of life we enjoy today. Their mission remains 
equally important to our Nation's future.
  Every member of Congress and their staff have, at one time or 
another, consulted the State geological surveys concerning issues 
related to geology in their districts. State geological surveys are 
universally relied upon for their expertise and relevant, credible, and 
timely maps, information and services concerning energy, mineral, 
water, land, biological/ecological and environmental resources, as well 
as information relevant to avoid or mitigate natural hazards such as 
earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides and the like.
  There is no doubt that the AASG has earned a high reputation within 
the federal government for its expertise, credibility, candor and 
trust. It is frequently called upon by the executive, legislative, and 
judicial branches to bring the state perspective on geological issues 
to the attention and consideration of the federal government and 
especially Congress.
  In my view, the nature, extent, magnitude, and high quality of the 
contributions of State geological surveys and AASG to our Nation fully 
merits recognition of their critical role through issuance of a federal 
charter. AASG is exactly the sort of organization that federal charters 
were intended to recognize.
  Mr. Speaker, it would be completely fitting and proper for Congress 
to grant a federal charter to AASG and by doing so would return to the 
spirit of the first federal charter granted to the National Academy of 
Science in 1863 recognizing the importance of science to our Nation.

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