[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 139 (Thursday, October 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2108-E2109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                EARTH SCIENCE WEEK--OCTOBER 10-16, 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BARBARA CUBIN

                               of wyoming

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 14, 1999

  Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, very soon an extraordinary individual, earth 
scientist, and mentor of many who followed in his field, Dr. J. David 
Love, born and raised in my home state of Wyoming, will receive the 
``Legendary Geologist Award'' from the American Geological Institute, a 
federation of 34 earth-science societies with a collective membership 
exceeding more than 100,000 persons.
  Some of Dr. Love's accomplishments include creating the modern 
geologic map of my home state of Wyoming, and the geologic map of Grand 
Teton National Park. My home state of Wyoming is rich in geologic 
wonders, and the people of Wyoming have a great appreciation the 
importance these maps and their value with regard to identifying 
geologic treasures, providing for the prudent use of our natural 
resources, hazard mitigation, and the expansion of our economy.
  With this in mind, I introduced legislation earlier this year that 
will reauthorize the National Geological Mapping Act (NGMA), which 
established a highly successful cooperative program between the U.S. 
Geological Survey and Geological Surveys of the 50 states and U.S. 
Territories. The maps produced under NGMA auspices provide society with 
information useful for the abatement of natural hazards such as floods, 
earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions; the broad delineation 
of mineral potential, including groundwater resources, and candidate 
areas for waste burial

[[Page E2109]]

sites for land-use planning purposes, as well as a better understanding 
of ``how the Earth works.''
  As such, I rise today to recognize the American Geological 
Institute's adoption of October 10th through October 16th, 1999, as 
``Earth Science Week.'' Earth Science Week was initiated last year by 
the American Geological Institute as a way to educate society about the 
Earth, the earth sciences, and the importance of earth scientists' work 
in solving the challenges we face with providing for the prudent 
management of our resources.
  This week, an Earth Science Week activity is taking place in schools 
in every state, and to date, 25 states have made official Earth Science 
Week proclamations, including my home state of Wyoming.

       Therefore, let it be known that:
       Geology and the other earth sciences are fundamental to the 
     safety, health, and welfare of the United States economy and 
     its citizens.
       The earth sciences are integral to finding, developing, and 
     on serving mineral, energy and water resources needed for the 
     Nation's continuing prosperity.
       The earth sciences provide the basis for preparing for and 
     mitigating natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and 
     landslides.
       The earth sciences are crucial to environmental and 
     ecological issues ranging from water and air quality to waste 
     disposal.
       The earth sciences contribute directly to our understanding 
     and appreciation of Nature.
       Geological factors of resources, hazards, and environment 
     are vital to land management and land use decisions.

  Mr. Speaker, our ever-changing world challenges us to wisely manage 
the earth and its resources. During this week, let us pay tribute to 
the important role that earth science plays in the economic success, 
safety, and welfare of this Nation.

                          ____________________