About the Office & Contact

GSA’s Science Policy connects geoscience with public policy by supporting members, developing policy positions, promoting research that serves society’s needs, and providing opportunities for engagement through newsletters, briefings, fellowships, and advocacy activities. Geoscience Policy Team: Emily Orzechowski Director for Geoscience Policy & External Relations eorzechowski@geosociety.org 1-303-357-1093 Josh Martin GSA-sponsored Congressional Science Fellow (2026–2027 fellowship cycle) jmartin@geosociety.org 1-202-870-0373

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.

Washington, D.C., Office

The Washington, D.C., Office provides GSA and its members with leadership in formulating public policy through active involvement in national decision-making processes. The office: 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 of scientific information in public policy decision-making. Works with the GSA community to increase member 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 cosponsors congressional briefings on geoscience issues. Fosters participation of GSA members in Congressional Visit Days and other policy engagement opportunities. Administers the GSA–USGS Congressional Science Fellowship. Participates in coalitions of scientific organizations. Cosponsors science exhibitions and receptions on Capitol Hill. Explores opportunities for expanding international activities at the intersection of geoscience and public policy by working with GSA’s International Secretariat, GSA International, the Geology and Public Policy Committee, the Geology and Society Division, and other GSA divisions, Sections, and organizational units.

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

Science Policy

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Science Policy

GSA's Science Policy connects geoscience with public policy, supporting members, developing positions, promoting research that serves society, and providing newsletters, briefings, and fellowships.

Position Statements GSA Policy Roles Action Alert: Grant Rule Changes

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Geoscience Congressional Visits Day

Participate in GEO-CVD to meet policymakers, advocate for geoscience, and contribute to national decision-making. Members have a direct opportunity to influence science policy.

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Science Policy

Geoscience Policy & External Relations Office

Roles of the GSA Policy Entities

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