About the Office & Contact

GSA’s Geoscience Policy Office connects geoscience with public policy by supporting members, developing policy positions, promoting research that serves society’s needs, and creating opportunities for engagement with policymakers. The office works to ensure that scientific information and geoscience expertise inform decisions at the federal level. The Washington, D.C., Office represents GSA in national policy discussions and supports members in engaging with decision-makers through advocacy, briefings, fellowships, and other policy opportunities. What We Do Monitors federal policy developments and communicates their impacts to the GSA community. Develops and advances GSA’s policy positions on issues affecting the geosciences. Encourages the use of scientific information in public policy decision-making. Provides testimony and scientific expertise to Congress and federal agencies. Organizes congressional briefings, science events, and opportunities for policymakers to engage with geoscientists. Supports GSA members’ participation in policy engagement activities, including Congressional Visit Days. Advocates for strong federal investments in scientific research, geologic mapping, and Earth science programs. Administers the GSA–USGS Congressional Science Fellowship. Collaborates with scientific organizations and partners to advance shared policy goals. Works with GSA committees, divisions, Sections, and international partners to explore opportunities at the intersection of geoscience and public policy. Geoscience Policy Team Contact Emily Orzechowski Director for Geoscience Policy & External Relations eorzechowski@geosociety.org 1-303-357-1093 Dr. Joshua Martin 2023–2026 Senior Science Policy Fellow jmartin@geosociety.org 1-202-870-0373 About Emily Orzechowski Emily Orzechowski leads GSA’s federal policy and external engagement efforts, working to strengthen the role of geoscience in public policy and connect geoscientists with decision-makers. Her work focuses on demonstrating the public value of the geosciences and advancing policies that support research, education, and the geoscience workforce. A paleontologist by training, Emily transitioned into science policy through a Congressional Science Fellowship sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, serving in the office of U.S. Senator Michael F. Bennet. She later served as an AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Climate Adaptation Science Center. Before joining GSA, Emily managed legislative relations for the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research and represented the United States in international science policy discussions through the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied environmental change recorded in Pleistocene marine terraces, and holds a bachelor’s degree from William & Mary. About Dr. Joshua Martin Dr. Joshua Martin, GSA’s 2023–2026 Senior Science Policy Fellow, will serve as the 2026–2027 GSA-sponsored Congressional Science Fellow, bringing expertise in earth science, mineral physics, and federal science policy to his work with Congress. His policy interests include natural resources, critical minerals, geothermal energy, and geologic mapping, with a focus on advancing programs such as the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) and National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program. In Josh’s current role as GSA’s Senior Science Policy Fellow, he works with congressional offices, federal agencies, and state geological surveys to highlight the role of geoscience in addressing national priorities. He supports GSA’s policy analysis, advocacy efforts, and member engagement opportunities, including Geosciences Congressional Visit Days and activities with the Geology and Public Policy Committee. Josh earned his Ph.D. from Ohio State University, where he studied high-pressure mineral physics and Earth’s core using statistical modeling, and received his undergraduate degree from Ohio University.

Geology and Public Policy Committee (GPPC)

The Geology and Public Policy Committee (GPPC) oversees GSA’s public policy activities and serves as an important connection between the geoscience community and policymakers. The committee: 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. Supports GPPC Congressional Visits, which provide opportunities for GSA members to engage directly with policymakers, communicate the importance of geoscience research and funding, and advocate for science-based policy decisions. 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, GSA International, the Director for Geoscience Policy, and other organizational units of GSA. G&PP Committee members

Geology and Society Division

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

Coalitions and Partnerships

The Geological Society of America (GSA) works with a broad network of scientific and policy coalitions to advance geoscience research, education, and evidence-based decision-making. Through these partnerships, GSA collaborates with peer organizations to advocate for sustained federal investment in science, support the U.S. geoscience enterprise, and promote policies that strengthen research, public safety, and environmental resilience. Current Coalition Partners: Coalition for National Science Funding United States Geological Survey Coalition Energy Sciences Coalition Climate Science Working Group Hazards Alliance

What We Do

Geoscience Policy

Initiatives and Change

Geoscience Policy

GSA connects the geoscience community with the policymakers and decision-makers who shape our world. Through position statements, Congressional Visits Day, fellowships, policy briefings, and community-driven solutions initiatives, GSA ensures that earth science informs the policies addressing our most pressing challenges.

Position Statements Official Letters & Responses

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Stay Informed About Policy Developments

GSA advocates for policies that advance the geosciences and support the work of our members. Explore our position statements, current advocacy efforts, and resources for engaging with policymakers.

Resources

Explore our Position Statements
Explore Current Topics We’re Addressing
Getting Science into the Hands of Policymakers - GSA Today, v. 24, no. 11 (November 2014)
Communicating with Policymakers: Congressional and District Visits

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Geoscience Policy

Current Topics We're Addressing

GSA is actively engaging in the geoscience policy issues shaping our profession and society. Explore our position statements, official letters and responses, and other advocacy efforts to see where GSA stands and how we're supporting science-informed decision-making.

Earth MRI endorsement letter

14 July 2026

GSA supports reauthorizing and funding the USGS Earth MRI program to advance geologic mapping, strengthen critical mineral research, and improve natural hazard resilience.

Read Letter

Public comment on OMB rulemaking

10 July 2026

GSA opposed OMB’s proposed rule, warning it would weaken geoscience research, disrupt federal awards, and limit the nation’s ability to address hazards and critical resource challenges.

Protect OOI letter to CJS

16 June 2026

GSA urged Congress to protect the Ocean Observatories Initiative, warning that its loss would harm U.S. science, security, and ocean monitoring capabilities.

Protect OOI letter to NSF

16 June 2026

GSA and partners urged NSF to preserve the Ocean Observatories Initiative, warning that its loss would harm U.S. science, security, and ocean monitoring.

ESA letter re. US Forest Service Reorganization

26 May 2026

GSA and partners urged Congress to protect Forest Service research facilities, warning that closures would weaken critical science, data, and natural resource management.

FY 2027 Funding for the USGS and the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History

15 May 2026

GSA urged Congress to fund USGS and NMNH, highlighting their critical role in geoscience research, hazard preparedness, resource security, and public safety.

Geoscience Policy

Geoscience Policy & External Relations Office

Roles of the GSA Policy Entities

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