EDITOR’S CORNER
Geologists Under Siege - But We Can Still Celebrate Geology
Jean M. Neubeck, CPG-11438 In case you haven’t heard, in 2015 New York State became
the 30th state to pass legislation requiring geologists to become licensed to practice geology to the public. It took 19 years (yes, 19). We are excited about becoming the 53rd profession in NYS and look forward to strengthening the practice and holding high standards (but that’s not the celebrating I refer to). So how can it be that as I write this in early March that Arizona has a bill moving through the legislature to deregulate geol- ogy, among other professions? I’m told that Arizona was the first state to recognize the profession of geology and has been licensing geologists since 1956.
The AIPG Executive Committee met in Tucson in mid- February, where we also attended the Arizona Section meet- ing and heard the frustrating news. I won’t repeat the details here as the AZ Section members know much better. AIPG’s national website is providing updated news on this story and other important developments. AIPG can be proud that Arizona CPGs Doug Bartlett, Dawn Garcia, Barbara Murphy and Steve Noel, among others, are helping represent geologists and leading efforts to inform and educate the bill sponsors and others. I understand that through the section’s efforts, geologists have been removed from the chopping block, but there still is language in the AZ bill that must be resolved. Let’s remain optimistic that facts will triumph over politics.
Potential deregulation drives home lessons about stay- ing aware, communicating to others what geologists do, and becoming active or at least supporting organizations like AIPG that work to strengthen the profession. Geology is your calling, your passion, and regardless of what you get paid, it is your career and livelihood. Celebrate your love of learning geology and become more visible.
So today, whether you are sitting at your computer or walking an outcrop, find a few minutes to interact with a non-geologist. Maybe you’ll get an opportunity to share an earth science fact, news, or just wonder aloud together. Communicating what geologists do is easy, cheap, and an effective way to promote earth science outside the profession.
While hiking in Tucson, I met a few people who mentioned their concerns for water availability and quality, certainly of critical importance in the desert. After I mentioned the same concerns in geology, a woman remarked she was embarrassed that her uncle was a geologist because he worked for a mining company. Without flinching, I told her she should be proud of her uncle and that he undoubtedly was helping to mine efficiently and with minimal environmental impact. Handing back her smart phone after taking her photo, I remarked that minerals, water, and energy were used to manufacture
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the many devices that society seems to be no longer able to live without. I don’t know whether she became a new fan of her uncle but she and another hiker admitted they took those everyday luxuries for granted.
As Barb Murphy of the AZ Section points out, it also was critical to reach out to the related professions of engineering, landscape architecture, and surveying in Arizona because those professions make use of geologic knowledge in their practices. Related professions can offer strong support and geologists should (and do) reciprocate. Conversely, those of us who have ever experienced the negative influence of other professions can attest that opposition or lack of support from our sister professions can be a major hurdle to resolve.
Arizona is not the first state to contemplate deregulating geology - whether for economic or political purposes - and it can happen again. A few years ago the Florida Section worked to successfully preserve a law that contained a “sunset” pro- vision that if lapsed, would have deregulated geology. No doubt, someone in your local geologic organization is aware and monitoring news on your behalf. We can support our local organizations by sharing our knowledge.
Sharing is the best part of geology for me, both within the profession and with the public. The AIPG meetings, numer- ous events, and local Sections all provide education and valu- able networking experiences. Who among us hasn’t gained a friend, heard “I didn’t know that” news, or learned a geologic “hack” at a professional event? We enjoy the camaraderie and mutual fascination over minute details (some call it nerdish- ness) but let’s celebrate that by communicating our knowledge into usable information. Yes, we can be cautious not to sound arrogant or bore people, but what’s the value of acquiring knowledge if you can’t apply it or share it?
My experience with professional engineers is that they tend to be trained to function in business and public settings. The public knows that engineers design bridges and planes even if they don’t understand other subdisciplines. Geologists tend to be focused and talk amongst ourselves. We’re busy but we can all help educate the public - all we have to do is be visible.
We are all walking ambassadors representing the profes- sion of geology. It can be daunting at times but it’s rewarding and valuable experience to present geology to a group or indi- vidual, especially informally. Watch as someone has an “ah ha” moment understanding a concept in earth science that affects them personally, particularly students of any age. And aren’t we all still students of geology anyway? That’s something we can celebrate today.
www.aipg.org
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