HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

Work on Capitol Hill
as a GSA-USGS Congressional Science Fellow

Your work as a geoscientist greatly impacts society and Earth — why not make an impact on the U.S. government as well?

GSA Welcomes

Anna K. Mebust
28th Congressional Science Fellow

Stay informed!

We encourage interested parties to subscribe to the "News from the Hill" RSS feed (free).

Join the GSA Geology & Society Division ($8-professionals; $4-students). Division members may participate in discussions and collaborate with one another in GSA's new Connected Community.

Engage & Communicate

Share your scientific expertise and ensure that the geoscience community is engaged with leaders and policy makers on Capitol Hill!

Write your member of Congress about earth-science issues.

Come to Washington to learn about science policy and meet with Members of Congress

Become a mentor:
Join our Geology in Government Mentor Program.

View GSA's Official Position Statements

Position Statement
Development Process

Science Policy
News Archive

Roles of the
GSA Policy Entities

Geology & Public Policy

NEWS FROM THE HILL
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Science Policy News

GSA calls on Congress to approve legislation to secure the helium supply
“Helium is an essential component of a large number of manufacturing processes and a key material for the scientific research community. …”
Read letter to House | Senate

America COMPETES
GSA calls on Congress to pass an America COMPETES Act reauthorization bill that calls for real and sustained growth in funding for the NSF, NIST, and Department of Energy Office of Science.
[ sign the letter ]

GSA Examines Links between Science and Human Rights
Science, technology, and human rights intersect in a variety of important ways that have significant implications for both the scientific enterprise as well as society’s ability to benefit and to be protected from any harmful practices in research, development and their applications. GSA and the American Geosciences Institute held a focus group last fall to clarify some of these linkages for the geoscience community. [ more ]

GSA supports legislation to establish a Science Laureate of the United States to promote scientific research and education (H.R.1891).

Attend a Capitol Hill Briefing co-sponsored by GSA, 6 June. Innovative Strategies for Building a Diverse Scientific Workforce. To keep pace in a global economy the nation must develop and promote the talents of its entire population. [ view invitation ]

GSA is seeking applicants for its new Science Policy Fellowship Program which provides recent MS or PhD recipients the opportunity to work in the GSA Washington Office for one year.
[ position is now filled ]

GSA Supports NSF Merit Review Process
In a letter sent to members of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation yesterday, GSA joined with a coalition of 110 scientific organizations to advocate that "NSF’s system of support for basic research be based upon excellence, competitive scientific merit, and peer-review."
[ read letter ]

Funding for FY2013 Complete; FY2014 Underway
FY2013 were finally signed into law. This legislation locked in sequestration cuts of about 5% for non-defense discretionary spending, resulting in an $8.7 billion cut to defense and nondefense R&D. [ more details ]

GSA Testifies Before House Subcommittee in Support of USGS; Submits Testimony to the US Senate
[ read testimony: House | Senate ]

GSA Endorses Guiding Principles
for the Reauthorization of America COMPETES
[ more ]

Science-Engineering-Tech Congressional Visits Day
While Congress was in the midst of finalizing spending levels for fiscal year 2013, GSA leadership visited Capitol Hill on 13 March to advocate for sustained funding for geoscience research.
[ more ]

GSA Submits Testimony Supporting NSF and NASA
GSA supports strong and sustained investments in earth science research and education at the NSF and NASA. GSA urges Congress to provide the NSF the same amount appropriated in FY12.
[ read testimony: House | Senate ]

GSA Participates in Climate Science Day on Capitol Hill
GSA member Noah Diffenbaugh and GSA Director for Geoscience Policy Kasey White joined nearly 50 scientists to participate in the third annual Climate Science Day on Capitol Hill on 27 February. The purpose of the 150 congressional visits was to provide a non-partisan opportunity for scientists of many disciplines to build relationships and provide members of Congress access to the best possible climate science information.

Speak Up for Science
Sign the petition to help protect federal funding for research and development. Together we can make a difference. Signatures are being accepted through Tuesday (2/26).

TFAI Urges Leadership to Stop the Pending Sequester
A letter signed by key Task Force on American Innovation member association CEOs was sent today to President Obama and Congressional leaders, urging a stop to sequestration.
[ read letter ]

The New Congress and Fiscal Issues
Although Congress and the Administration reached agreement on some of the tax issues in the flurry of “fiscal cliff” activity at the end of 2012, they were unable to resolve the looming cuts from sequestration, the debt limit, and the appropriations process for Fiscal Year 2013.
[ read more ]

USGS Coalition letter on sequestration
4 Jan. 2013 - Through USGS Coalition letter, GSA asks Congress and the White House to “do all you can to prevent additional cuts to the USGS” in the budget negotiations.

The Looming Cliff
Congress and the Obama Administration remain in negotiations to find a solution to the nation’s budget woes to avoid falling off the fiscal cliff of tax increases and spending cuts at the beginning of 2013.
[ learn more about the “sequester” ]

What does the future of energy really hold?
SWITCH Learn About GSA Switch Energy Awareness & Efficiency Program

A viewing of Switch and a Q&A discussion with Dr. Scott Tinker was held at the McGlohon Theater in Charlotte, NC, on Monday, 5 Nov.
A viewing of Switch and discussion with Director Harry Lynch was also held on 25 October 2012, at the AAAS Auditorium in Washington, D.C.

Geoscientists Ask Congress for Continued, Sustained Science Funding
In mid-September, GSA members were part of a contingent of 50 geoscientists that came to Washington, D.C., for the 5th annual geoscience Congressional Visits Day. In more than 100 congressional meetings, participants highlighted the benefits of scientific research to the nation and asked for continued, sustained funding for the geosciences. [ full story ]

Task Force on American Innovation
GSA urges Congress “to keep our nation on an innovation path that makes it possible for our economy to grow and our citizens to prosper.” [ read letter ]

Science Funding Problems Ahead
Federal agencies are awaiting possible cuts of approximately 9% on 2 Jan. if Congress and the Administration do not reach agreement on deficit reduction. With no agreement in sight, and limited time after the election for Congress to devise a solution, agencies are bracing for a decline. [ more ]

GSA Endorses Science Debate
GSA recently endorsed Science Debate. This nonpartisan organization highlights the important role of science in policy issues. Read the answers from President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney to questions submitted by Science Debate.

GSA Supports Rare Earth Research
Geoscience organizations applaud Bingaman, Murkowski, and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee for their efforts on the substitute amendment to S.1113 representing a vital step toward addressing the critical minerals challenges we face. [ read letter ]

"Rising to the Challenge: U.S. Innovation Policy for Global Economy"
This report from the National Academies notes that America's position as the source of much of the world's global innovation has been the foundation of its economic vitality and military power in the post-war. No longer is U.S. pre-eminence assured as a place to turn laboratory discoveries into ...
[ read more ]

Fire, Food, and Water: 40 Years of Landsat Satellites
GSA cosponsored a congressional briefing highlighting 40 years of Landsat on Monday, 23 July.
[ watch video of the briefing | AGU blog post ]

Visit the Policy News Archive

Roles of the Geology and Public Policy Committee, the Geology and Society Division, and GSA's Washington, D.C., Office

Geology and Public Policy Committee	Geology and Society Division	Washington DC Office
Oversees development of GSA’s Position Statements. These statements are the foundation for public policy actions by the Society. Advises GSA’s Council, Executive leadership, and the Washington Office. Develops and sponsors technical sessions, symposia and other events relating to public policy development and outreach at the annual meeting and section meetings in coordination with the Geology and Society Division. Collaborates with the Geology and Society Division on expanding the participation of GSA’s members in public policy communications. Through GPPC’s Section Representatives, fosters communication about GSA’s public policy activities at section meetings. Explores opportunities for expanding international activities at the interface between the geosciences and public policy by collaborating and cooperating with GSA’s International Secretariat, the International Section, the Director for Geoscience Policy and other organizational units of GSA. G&PP Committee Click here for printable document	Strengthens, broadens and supports the engagement of GSA’s members in activities where geoscience intersects with the policy interests of society. Encourages research on issues where geology and society are connected. Provides forums for presentation and discussion of mutual problems and ideas at GSA Section and GSA Annual meetings. Stimulates communication among geoscientists conducting research that serves society’s needs and can guide policy development. Encourages GSA’s members to engage in public policy development through presentation of exhibit booths at all section meetings, in collaboration with the Geology and Public Policy Committee. Fosters recognition and acknowledgment of those who make significant contributions to serving society’s needs through geoscience research, including awards for best student papers at the national meeting. Encourages and mentors students interested in conducting and presenting the results of research that serves society’s needs and can guide policy development. Advises and assists the officers, committees, divisions and sections of GSA in matters related to serving society’s needs through geoscience research. Publishes a newsletter to communicate the Division’s activities to the members and others. Division web page.	Provides GSA and its members with leadership in formulating public policy through active involvement in the decision-making processes at the national level. Monitors public policy issues and participates in information-sharing and educational efforts directed toward the executive and legislative branches of the federal government. Encourages the use scientific information in decision-making in the public policy arena. Works with the GSA community to increase members’ involvement in activities related to public policy development. Supports adequate funding for scientific research activities at the federal level. Provides testimony to Congress and federal agencies on geoscience issues. Organizes and co-sponsors congressional briefings on geoscience issues. Fosters participation of GSA members in Congressional visits days. Administers GSA-USGS Congressional Science Fellowship. Participates in coalitions of scientific organizations. Co-sponsors science exhibitions and receptions on Capitol Hill. Explores opportunities for expanding international activities at the interface between the geosciences and public policy by working with GSA’s International Secretariat, the International Section, the Geology and Public Policy Committee, the Geology and Society Division and the other Divisions, Sections, and organizational units of GSA. Washington, DC office contact information.

Geology and Public Policy Committee

Geology and Society Division

Washington DC Office

Oversees development of GSA’s Position Statements. These statements are the foundation for public policy actions by the Society.
Advises GSA’s Council, Executive leadership, and the Washington Office.
Develops and sponsors technical sessions, symposia and other events relating to public policy development and outreach at the annual meeting and section meetings in coordination with the Geology and Society Division.
Collaborates with the Geology and Society Division on expanding the participation of GSA’s members in public policy communications.
Through GPPC’s Section Representatives, fosters communication about GSA’s public policy activities at section meetings.
Explores opportunities for expanding international activities at the interface between the geosciences and public policy by collaborating and cooperating with GSA’s International Secretariat, the International Section, the Director for Geoscience Policy and other organizational units of GSA.
G&PP Committee

Click here for printable document

Strengthens, broadens and supports the engagement of GSA’s members in activities where geoscience intersects with the policy interests of society.
Encourages research on issues where geology and society are connected.
Provides forums for presentation and discussion of mutual problems and ideas at GSA Section and GSA Annual meetings.
Stimulates communication among geoscientists conducting research that serves society’s needs and can guide policy development.
Encourages GSA’s members to engage in public policy development through presentation of exhibit booths at all section meetings, in collaboration with the Geology and Public Policy Committee.
Fosters recognition and acknowledgment of those who make significant contributions to serving society’s needs through geoscience research, including awards for best student papers at the national meeting.
Encourages and mentors students interested in conducting and presenting the results of research that serves society’s needs and can guide policy development.
Advises and assists the officers, committees, divisions and sections of GSA in matters related to serving society’s needs through geoscience research.
Publishes a newsletter to communicate the Division’s activities to the members and others.
Division web page.

Provides GSA and its members with leadership in formulating public policy through active involvement in the decision-making processes at the national level.
Monitors public policy issues and participates in information-sharing and educational efforts directed toward the executive and legislative branches of the federal government.
Encourages the use scientific information in decision-making in the public policy arena.
Works with the GSA community to increase members’ involvement in activities related to public policy development.
Supports adequate funding for scientific research activities at the federal level.
Provides testimony to Congress and federal agencies on geoscience issues.
Organizes and co-sponsors congressional briefings on geoscience issues.
Fosters participation of GSA members in Congressional visits days.
Administers GSA-USGS Congressional Science Fellowship.
Participates in coalitions of scientific organizations.
Co-sponsors science exhibitions and receptions on Capitol Hill.
Explores opportunities for expanding international activities at the interface between the geosciences and public policy by working with GSA’s International Secretariat, the International Section, the Geology and Public Policy Committee, the Geology and Society Division and the other Divisions, Sections, and organizational units of GSA.
Washington, DC office contact information.

Contact GSA's Washington D.C. office any time

Kasey S. White
Director for Geoscience Policy
Geological Society of America
1200 New York Avenue NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: +1-202-669-0466

[ click for map & directions ]

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Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

— Margaret Mead

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