AASG SPRING LIAISON
WASHINGTON, D.C.
March 8-11, 2015
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
March 9, 2015
Met with Doug Howard, Peter Lyttle, Larry Meinert William Leith, Vito
Nuccio, Sara Ryker, Kevin Gallagher, Dave Applegate, Bill Workheiser,
Mike Marketti
AASG Present: Jon Arthur, Karen Berry, Ken Bradbury, Rex Buchanan,
Jim Faulds, Joe Gillman, Chris Hanson, Richard Ortt, John Parrish, Jerry
Prewett, Jon Price, Ed Ratchford, Jamie Robertson, David Spears, John
Steinmetz, Harvey Thorleifson, Jerry Weisenfluh, David Wunsch
Doug Howard called the meeting to order. Jon Arthur welcomed
participants. Introductions were made. Jon Arthur discussed priorities
of data preservation, landslide legislation, and national groundwater
monitoring program. He recognized Peter Lyttle and thanked him for
his years of service to the USGS and AASG.
Vito Nuccio, program coordinator for energy resources, discussed coal
assessments, CO2 sequestration, helium, a produced-water database,
uranium, and quantifying impact of wind energy on wildlife.
Larry Meinert, minerals program coordinator, discussed a small
increase in the minerals budget, quantifying Ebola impact on natural
resource development, mineral resources of Cuba, and areas in interest
for minerals, including Alaska, Great Basin, and the midcontinent.
Dave Applegate, hazards coordinator, said there was additional funding
for early earthquake waning, volcano early warning, landslide mapping
($500K), subsidence ($200K). Bill Leith talked about increased funding
for induced seismicity and a new paper on produced water and
seismicity in the midcontinent.
Sarah Ryker, climate coordinator, said that program saw mostly
increases in the president’s budget, especially for paleoclimate research.
Looking for post docs in paleoclimate. Also, looking at water availability
in terms of climate, working on impact of climate change on ecosystems.
Landsat scheduled for launch in 2023.
Bill Workheiser, water coordinator, said that RFPs for national
groundwater monitoring will be out in late summer 2015. $2.5 million
available. Full funding for water resources research institutes in the
president’s budget.
Peter Lyttle noted the need for someone to replace Vicki McConnell on
the mapping FAC. He estimated that about 53% of the U.S. has now
been mapped by modern geologic mapping standards.
ACTION ITEMS: Replace Vicki McConnell on the mapping FAC.
SENATE INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES—MAJORITY
AND MINORITY STAFF
March 9, 2015
Met with Brent Wiles, Professional Staff Member (R), 2 more weeks
before returning to Tennessee; Nona McCoy, Professional Staff Member
(R), replacing Brent (Nona_McCoy@appro.senate.gov), and Ryan Hunt,
Professional Staff Member (D), replaced Ginny James.
AASG: Wunsch (Lead), Steinmetz (Notes), Faulds, Masterman,
Robertson
Introduced AASG to Nona. Mentioned NCGMP, NGWMP, and NGGDPP.
Brent: President’s budget is “ambitious,” lots of increases and not many
decreases. Not marked up yet, but may be. AASG offered to serve as a
sounding board for any questions they may have about USGS programs.
ACTION ITEMS: None.
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR WATER
AND SCIENCE
Monday, March 9, 2015
Attending from DOI: Jennifer Gimbel, Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary (Acting Assistant Secretary); Suzette Kimball, Acting Director,
USGS; Laurie Karamanian, Assistant to the Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary; Dave Russ, USGS Northeast Regional Director; USGS Associate
Directors David Applegate, Kevin Gallagher, Don Hayba, Bill Lucas.
AASG: Arthur, Buchanan, Gillman, Parrish, Berry, Spears (note taker).
Jennifer thinks highly of state geologists and values their relationship
with USGS. Suzette recognizes that we still have work to do on USGSAASG communication. It’s important for state geologists to know what
USGS is doing in our states, especially high-profile studies and
publications.
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Suggestions:
Annual conference or teleconference with Regional Directors
Science center directors should be involved, as they often know more
about local programs than RDs
Recognize that some communication barriers are within states; for
example, Water Science directors may communicate with their local
DEQ but not with the state survey. So the states may have some work to
do internally.
Jennifer’s priorities:
Mapping
Water
Open Data Initiative
Earthquake Early Warning
Landsat
Training the next generation of earth scientists
On training, there is great concern that the university pool is shrinking.
EDMAP is effective but too small.
We must start early in getting urban youth interested in earth science
and public service. This would be a good topic for a more in-depth
conversation. AASG Education Committee could work with USGS on
this.
ACTION ITEMS: Appoint new chair of AASG Education Committee.
NATIONAL STONE, SAND, AND GRAVEL ASSN.
March 9, 2015
Met with Pamela Whitted,- Sr. Vice President, Legislative and Regulatory
Affairs, Emily Croyner, PG-Director Environmental Services
AASG: Thorleifson, Prewett, Bradbury, Hanson, Ortt, Weisenfluh
·
NSSG inquired about sources of employment data for operations
(many at debriefing meeting suggested they were in a better position to
obtain these data than surveys were)
·
NSSG is concerned about Waters of the US Rule impacts on
operators
·
NSSG does not support stricter dust size limits on silica exposure
as regulated by OSHA
·
We are invited to attend and have an AASG booth at their annual
meeting in Tennessee in March, 2016.
ACTION ITEMS: None.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES—
MAJORITY STAFF
March 9, 2015
Met with Colin Hayes (colin_hayes@energy.senate.gov), Brian Hughes
Republican Senate Staffer (Brian_Hughes, 202-224-7555)
AASG: Masterman, Ratchford, Berry Wunsch
Discusson of reauthorization of the Data Preservation bill. The goal is to
secure at least the same appropriation as last year. Brian Hughes said
they are currently working on a minerals bill. Discussion of the critical
mineral needs of the US and China. Brian said that the Senate would like
to see more work on minerals from the USGS, up to 10% of their total
budget.
ACTION ITEMS: None.
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY—OFFICE OF THE UNDERSECRETARY
FOR SCIENCE AND ENERGY
March 9, 2015
Met with: Franklyn (Lynn) Orr, Undersecretary for Science and Energy
Research
AASG: Faulds (Lead), Steinmetz (Notes), Buchanan, Parrish
Lynn is a Chemical Engineer by training, worked at Shell-Bellaire (EOR
research), New Mexico Tech, and was Dean, Earth Sciences, Stanford
University, when nominated in November 2013. While waiting for one
year for Senate confirmation, he toured all 17 of the DOE National labs
and became familiar with all of DOE’s S&E programs.
At the outset, we noticed the specimen labeled “Dilithium” on the coffee
table, and he was delighted that we knew what it was! He was totally
charming and engaging. This was a get-acquainted meeting; he
sincerely appreciates what we do in terms of our attempts to better
understand the subsurface.
S&E: better characterization of wellbores and fractures to predict fluid
flow, whether for O&G, geothermal, or waste disposal. FutureGen is in a
“structured close out” in Illinois. No prospect of meeting its deadlines,
therefore no more commitment to spend money.
ACTION ITEMS: None, but visit again.
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING, RECLAMATION, AND ENFORCEMENT
March 9, 2015
Met with: Yolanda Norman (AML Division Chief), Harry Payne, Cecil
Slaughter
AASG: Gillman, Berry, Arthur, Ratchford, Spears

The President’s Budget proposes to accelerate the disbursement
of $1 billion, over 5 years, from unappropriated balances in the
Abandoned Mine Reclamation (AML) Fund to States and Tribes to
build new development opportunities and new jobs in
communities impacted by abandoned mine lands. This $1 billion
of AML funding is in addition to the AML grants already provided
to States under existing law. The accelerated AML funding would
be used by States and Tribes for the reclamation of abandoned
coal mine land sites and associated polluted waters in a manner
that promotes economic diversification and development in
economically distressed coal country communities. The program
is under development and AASG should monitor proposed rules
for comment and opportunities for state surveys; would like
support for applied science program.

AASG invited OSMRE to attend annual meeting. OSMRE would
like to attend and give presentation on coal ash issues and
proposed rules. Jon Arthur or program committee should get
back to Cecil or Harry with answer.
ACTION ITEMS: Respond to OSMRE about annual meeting.
AMERICAN GEOSCIENCES INSTITUTE
March 10, 2015
Met with: Pat Leahy, Ed Robeck, Maeve Boland, Chris Keane; Charlotte
Wood, Andrey Gidaspov
AASG: Buchanan, Gillman, Ratchford, Berry
Andrey is the new director of development and will focus on solicitation
of alternative funding opportunities to include Not for Profits;
foundations; corporate sponsorship, private donors
GeoREF continues to grow and remains the primary funding source at
AGI.
Critical Issues Forum - there will be a Forum in November 2016 similar
to the Natural Gas Forum last year in Texas.
Critical Issue Program under continued development. There will be a
press release this week regarding the website. Program reaching out to
legislators in select states at this time and will continue to make these
connections moving forward.
Education and Outreach efforts are focusing on collecting information
and demographics on issues of recruitment and diversity in geoscience
students. University programs are at capacity: are there options for
State Surveys to provide a field based training module to substitute for
field experiences? One or two day field station experience within the
scope of an existing project for students to learn a skill
Earth Science week this year will be themed "Visualizing Earth Systems"
ACTION ITEMS:
AGI looking for topics to consider for the Forum; contact Maeve.
AASG needs to replace Vicki as Geologic Map Day liaison.
There is a real opportunity here with creative thinking, cooperation and
a champion for state surveys to develop field experiences for university
programs. Any survey with interest should reach out to AGI.
NASA
Did not meet
Incorporated Research Institutes for Seismology (IRIS)
March 10, 2015
Met with: Robert Detrick, President, detrick@iris.edu, John Tabor,
Education and Outreach, taber@iris.edu, Perle Dorr, Public Outreach,
dorr@iris.edu, Danielle Sumy, Project Associate,
Danielle.sumy@iris.edu, Raymond Willemann, Planning and Community
Activities, ray@iris.edu, Andy Frasseto, Project Associate,
andy.frassetto@iris.edu, David Simpson (retired and not present).
AASG: Steinmetz (Lead), Weisenfluh (Notes), Faulds, Parrish
 Frasseto gave presentation on status of U.S Array. Currently
focused on east coast, mainly New England. Legacy stations left
behind and adopted. Now total 159 stations and may ultimately
total over 200.
 USGS scheduled to take over legacy stations in 2017, but no line in
its budget for this at this time.
 Transportable array being deployed in Alaska on 85 km spacing,
2014-18.
 U.S.Array magnetotellurics being deployed, mainly in central US.
 NSF funding for IRIS due to be re-competed in 2018.
ACTION ITEMS:
AASG could choose to advocate for continued funding at Congress.
AASG could write letter of support for IRIS to continue management of
seismic array. Individual states with interest could fill out online
questionnaire relating to future array needs at:
http://www.iris.edu/hq/workshops/2015/05/future_seismic_and_geo
detic_facility_needs_in_the_geosciences#whitepaper
BUREAU OF OCEAN MANAGEMENT
March 10, 2015
Met with: Richard Deselles, Robert Samuels, Jeff Reidenhauer, Jeff
Waldner, Rene Orr
AASG Present: Spears, Wunsch, Arthur, Ortt
·
BOEM Technically Recoverable Resource Assessment has been
updated with some significant changes and constraints for the five-year
program.
·
Economically recoverable oil is increased from previous assessments,
parameters widened, info is included from the west coast of Africa as
well as reported planning areas.
·
Renee Orr reported that Atlantic G & G permits are in the review
process (4) but none released yet.
·
The BOEM website has been updated –they would like feedback based
on its format. Comment period ends at end of March.
·
Dave Spears reported on work being done in Virginia at request of
governor looking for readiness of Virginia for offshore drilling
production and activity. Ports are ready as is infrastructure, but military
and NASA have some issues with development affecting their restricted
areas.
·
Marine Minerals- currently contractors are developing research plan
working with the states for Sandy restoration they'll be some sand
management workgroup symposiums coming up. Cooperative
agreements signed with 13 mostly Atlantic states. There may be another
two-year program.
·
BOEM really appreciate working with state surveys, and one staffer
(Jeff Wadner) mentioned that “...having close relationships with state
surveys is like having 13 BOEM field offices.”
·
BOEM handed out draft MOU for review; it's needed to be returned
one month in advance of AASG Annual Meeting if we want BOEM
signature --hopefully will be ready for Arizona meeting.
·
As for budgetary issues, BOEM received a small increase for risk
management, marine minerals in 2011, and it is been included in their
budget base but it's still not enough to meet all the needs, so for future
co-ops may not have enough to support all states but still BOEM appeared
to have fared better than other DOI agencies.
ACTION ITEMS:
·
Tell state surveys to review BOEM website, send constructive
comments.
·
Excom needs to review MOU. JA needs to sign. Monitor progress to
have MOU presentation at AASG AZ meeting.
·
AASG should support BOEM having an increase $ to Marine Minerals
program for state Coops. Perhaps a “sign on” letter of support sent to
members of DOI Appropriation committees.
CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
March 10, 2015
Met with Peter Folger, (contact info already known)
Anthony (Tony) Andrews, aandrews@crs.loc.gov, 202-707-6843
James (Jim) Werner, jwerner@crs.loc.gov, 202-707-3862
Laura Comay, lcomay@crs.loc.gov, 2101-707-6036
Mark Humphries
AASG: Price, Bradbury, Ratchford, Robertson, Buchanan
Discussed current CRS issues and approaches to providing information.
Folger asked about different state surveys and their approaches to
providing information. Robertson talked about university versus state
agency roles for state surveys. Bradbury discussed groundwater and
virus studies in Wisconsin. Ratchford talked about induced seismicity
issues in Arkansas, Buchanan in Kansas.
ACTION ITEM: Robertson suggested a longer, perhaps half-day meeting
in which specific hot topics could be discussed in more detail.
Consensus was that such a meeting would be useful to allow more indepth conversation and information-sharing.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY—OFFICE OF
GROUNDWATER AND DRINKING WATER
March 10, 2015
EPA-Office of Groundwater &
Drinking Water
Holly Green, Acting Branch Chief,
Prevention DWPD
Roy Simon, DFO, NDWAC, OGWDW
Bill Bates, Geologist, UIC DWPD
Keara Moore, Physical Scientist, UIC
DWPD
Mary Rose (Molly) Bayer, Physical
Sci., UIC DWPD
Joe Tiago, Physical Scientist, UIC
DWPD
Robert (Bob) Smith, Geologist, UIC
DWPD
Jill Branby, ORISE
Matt Colombo, Presidential Fellow,
DWPD
Jeff Jollie, Hydrogeologist, UIC DWPD
Michelle Graff, ORISE
Mike Muse, Physical Scientist, DWPD
Lisa McWhirter, Env. Prot. Spec., UIC
DWPD
Bruce Kobelski, Geologist, UIC DWPD
Elizabeth (Beth) Hall, Env. Prot. Spec.,
UIC DWPD
AASG Representatives
Jerry Prewett – MO (Lead)
Chris Hanson – AZ
(Notes)
Jerry Wisenfluh – KY
 Oil & Gas
o AASG representatives provided a general overview of
energy production in their States.
 Geo data & core repositories
o The group discussed a range of related issues, including the
increasing level of data collection, availability to researchers
and others, and core repositories. Identified the need for
increased funding for continued data digitization work.
 U.S. Geoscience Information Network (USGIN)
o AASG representatives provided an overview and
background on USGIN, including its development by an
AASG-led consortium in partnership with U.S. DOE. USGIN is
a publically available federated information-sharing
framework using open-source technology, to connect and
open earth science data to the public. EPA expressed an
interest in USGIN as a solution for UIC and groundwater
data.
 Groundwater data
o Many States have collected groundwater data, but often lack
the resources needed to make the data fully available to the
public and others through accessible databases.
 EPA UIC issues
o Quality-related information databases are generally not
available at the national level.
o There are no currently active projects for UIC Class VI wells
for CO2 injection and geologic sequestration; future related
post-injection data collection projects are anticipated.
o UIC Class V well projects will be determined for 2016
depending on the number of wells; the group briefly
discussed UIC Class II wells for injecting fluids associated
with oil & natural gas production.
o EPA is looking at implementing a new program to collect
more data nation-wide, particularly from Class V UIC wells.
Currently 7-8 States are reporting data.
o USGIN was discussed as a potential platform for EPA’s UIC
data collection and access.
ACTION ITEMS:
EPA is interested in energy production capacities in the various States
and will follow up with the Surveys for additional details.
AZGS and USGIN representatives will follow up with EPA on potential
use of USGIN for UIC and groundwater/drinking water data.
Give David Spears topics not related to UIC for discuss with EPA at fall
liaison 2015. These need to be relayed to Bruce Kobelski so that he will
make available EPA staff from relative programs. Jerry Prewett from
Missouri survey will work with Dave Wunsch on this.
HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES—
MAJORITY STAFF
March 10, 2015
Met with: Kathy Benedetto
AASG: Parrish, Faulds, Berry, Masterman, Steinmetz
Discussion very informal and covered many topics, including:

Induced seismicity associated with wastewater injection—
Benedetto questioned whether more studies could be done
upfront to better predict or mitigate effects of induced
seismicity.

USGS Minerals Program.
o Program is typically vulnerable.
o Strategic minerals: Projections of needs for strategic
minerals should be completed; possible legislation may be
proposed by Representative Amodei to address this.
o Congressional hearings on Energy and Minerals Programs
scheduled for March 26.
EPA standards—concern expressed over changes in some
regulations.

Nuclear energy: Discussed reprocessing of nuclear materials
(or lack thereof in the U.S.) and need to look at entire supply
chain in regards to nuclear energy, including available mineral
supplies and waste disposal.

Discussed budget and welcomes state perspective.
ACTION ITEMS: None
DOE GEOTHERMAL
March 10, 2015
Met with Doug Hollett, Department of Energy
AASG: Faulds, Weisenfluh, Bradbury, Ortt
Mr. Hollett very enthusiastically presented his technological plan for the
future of DOE with combined research efforts between Geothermal,
Fossil Energy, Carbon Dioxide Sequestration, and Nuclear programs.
The nexus of these groups and future geological studies centered
around influencing policy is a program named SUBTER or the subsurface cross-cut. This program is focused on four pillars of knowledge
including: well bore construction, stress state and induced seismicity,
permeability manipulation, and subsurface signals. All of these
programs have linkages to geologic knowledge; however, linkages to the
State surveys appears to be still developing. While it appears that a
majority of this work will be accomplished through national labs,
academia, and contractors, there will be a physical manifestation in the
production of short-lived (5 years) observatories located throughout
the nation. The budget for this project is a total of $240M with a kick-off
amount of $100M in FY16.
The field observatories and the SUBTER program are the main effort of
the Geothermal program at this time; however, other notable programs
include a program to assess geothermal reservoirs using basin analysis
similar to traditional oil and gas reservoir analyses and a low
temperature/direct use program that will be used for localized heating
of building structures.
Mr. Hollett has been successful at growing in his budget over the years
with about a 20% growth each year over the last 3 years. His ask for
FY16 is $96M, a 40% increase over last year’s funding. A majority of
that increase will go into the SUBTER program.
The sustainability of the National Geothermal Database is something
that should be explored with other monies. Quite clearly, Mr. Hollett
indicated that while they believe the DOE role is to help stand up
projects such as this, the sustainability of a database system is best
suited by other programs.
Mr. Hollett did appreciate the data preservation program and he sees
that as a link in understanding the earth structures as they focus on the
SUBTER program.
ACTION ITEMS:
AASG should discuss and support the SUBTER program (also known as
the sub-surface cross-cut) with our legislative teams. It is also
suggested that AASG and/or individual State Surveys provide a letter of
support for the SUBTER program.
OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
March 10, 2015
Met with: Tammy Dickinson, Robert Strickling
AASG: Ratchford, Hanson, Ortt Steinmetz, Wunsch
Discussed climate change legislation, critical minerals.
ACTION ITEMS: None.
HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE ON
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCS (MINORITY STAFF)
Met with: Steve Feldgus, Senior Energy Policy Advisor, 202-225-6065,
steve.feldgus@mail.house.gov. Emily A. Lewis, ACS/AAAS Congressional
Science and Engineering Fellow, 202-225 6065,
emily.lewis@mail.house.gov
AASG: Wunsch, Robertson, Arthur, Parrish, Spears
A belated action item (almost too late for this year) that Steve strongly
emphasized is to generate a member letter, with co-signers if possible,
to the appropriations committee asking for support for both the NCGMP
and the NGGDPP. He also pointed out how important it is for our
favorite programs to have a Congressional "champion". . . possibly Mr
Benishek (R) from Michigan. Mr Benishek has just or is about to
introduce a House bill reauthorizing the data preservation program.
We were then told that there are four committee hearings coming up in
the next several weeks including one with the USGS Director. Steve
asked if we had any questions they could ask Suzette .
ACTION ITEMS:
Consider developing questions for hearings, developing letter of
support for NCGMP and NGGDPP.
NATIONAL GROUNDWATER ASSOCIATION
March 11, 2015
NGWA: Lauren Schapker, Government Affairs Director
(lschapker@ngwa.org, 202-888-9151), John Kinney, Senior Advisor
(jkinney@bakerdonelson.com, 202-508-3431)
ASSG: Wunsch, Berry, Buchanan, Ortt, Ratchford

NGWA suggested that AASG look at MOU to see if any updates are
needed.

Letter of support for National Ground Water Monitoring Network
was great. However, AASG should try to develop new
congressional champions for groundwater programs.
ACTION ITEMS: None.
GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA
March 11, 2015
Met with: Kasey White, Karen Paczkowski
AASG: Price, Masterman, Bradbury, Hanson, Steinmetz, Weisenfluh
AGI’s annual Member Society Leadership Forum will be on Monday,
September 28, 2015. The USGS Coalition’s reception will be on Tuesday
afternoon/evening, September 29. The GSA-AGI-AGU-sponsored Geo
Congressional Visits Day will be on Wednesday, September 30. AASG
has (as of later in the day) scheduled is Fall 2015 Liaison Committee
meetings for September 27-30, 2015.
GSA’s interviews for the 2016-2017 GSA-USGS Congressional Science
Fellow will most likely be on Saturday, March 5, 2016; the GSA Geology
and Public Policy Committee (GPPC) meeting will be the next day,
Sunday, March 6, and GPPC members will be encouraged to meet with
their Congressional delegations and key committee staffers on Monday,
March 7, 2016. AASG has tentatively scheduled the Spring Liaison
Committee meetings for the following week, March 13-16, with the Pick
and Gavel dinner on Tuesday, March 15. These events are not
coinciding in 2016 as they did this year so that Harvey Thorleifson and
others can attend the Prospectors and Developers Association meeting
in Toronto. The March 13-16 dates do not conflict with GSA NE or SE
Section meetings, which some State Geologists attend.
Karen Paczkowski has been selected at the 2015-2016 (next) GSA-USGS
Congressional Science Fellow.
ACTION ITEMS:
Jon Price needs to reconfirm the March 15 reservation for the Cosmos
Club.
AASG Executive Committee needs to find a sitting State Geologist who is
willing to replace Jamie Roberston as AASG’s “Conferee:” or liaison to
GSA’s Geology and Public Policy Committee. This committee
recommends position statements for GSA Council to adopt, and Jamie’s
participation has been important in the past (to get GSA’s support for
AASG’s initiatives and to keep GSA balanced in its position statements).
GPPC has two face-to-face meetings per year – one in the Spring around
(but not always coincident with) AASG Liaison and one generally on
Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning before the GSA annual meeting
(this year in Baltimore). The AASG Conferee should be able to cover
travel expenses to both meetings.
President Arthur should contact Dave Norman, Ed Ratchford, the new
Oregon State Geologist (when named), and AASG officers to have
volunteers to help with the Geologists booth at the National Conference
of State Legislatures annual meeting August 3-6, 2015, in Seattle. AIPG,
GSA, and AGI have recently participated in this booth, along with AASG.
AASG may want to consider offering (to NCSL) to hold a session on
induced seismicity and hydraulic fracturing or some other hot topic that
requires state legislation.
Be sure to include Karen and other GSA, AGU, AGI, and SME
Congressional Science Fellows in the invitations to future Pick and Gavel
dinners.
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
March 11, 2015
Met with: Melanie Stansbury, Program Examiner
AASG: Arthur, Mtg. Lead; Parrish, Note Taker; Gillman, Robertson,
Spears
Discussed the budget process and USGS outlook.
OMB stated this was the best budget in USGS history, with new funding
for Water Management, Earthquake Early Warning, Sinkhole Mapping,
other hazards, etc.
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program. OMB advised AASG to
confront USGS if not satisfied with map funding split as applied – this
was not an OMB issue.
National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program. OMB
encouraged AASG to prop-up ask sheet and arguments for
reauthorization by including examples: return on investment examples;
include success stories of where data library paid off; dollar cost-benefit
ratios; why this program is important for the public good; what is our
$5M ask building toward; where is our business plan; why Federal
monies should be used rather than State or local dollars; demonstrate
connection to Open Data Initiative.
ACTION ITEMS: Send Melanie information on Flagstaff meeting.
INDEPDENT PETROLEUM ASSN. OF AMERICA
March 11, 2015
Met with: Lee Fuller, Ryan Ullman.
AASG present: Buchanan, Weisenfluh, Masterman, Prewett, Steinmetz
Discussion centered mainly on induced seismicity.
ACTION ITEMS: None.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
March 11, 2015
NRCS
AASG Representatives
Mark Hall, State Geologist for GA & FL Karen Berry – CO
[full NRCS participant roster pending] Richard Ortt – MD
Jon Price – NV
Ed Ratchford – ID
David Wunsch -- DE
Chris Hanson – AZ (Notes)
 Federal budget
o FY 2015 funding has been approved; major watershed
programs have been funded for the first time in several
years, including:
 $84MM for watershed protection
 $85MM for dam rehabilitation, primarily pass through
to the States
 Soil survey status
o NRCS provided an overview of their operations and
organization structure; the Soils Section currently has ~600
employees.
o Initial soil surveys have been competed for 95% of the U.S.,
excluding Federal lands; soil surveys for Federal lands are
expected to be completed within the next 5-10 years.
o The provisional ecological site map program is expected
within the next five years to classify lands according to its
ecological condition, which will allow planners to reclaim
lands back to their original condition if possible, and may
direct states to implement conservation practices. Number
of sites included in the survey will number in the thousands.
 Major Land Resource Area (MLRA)
o The MLRA program, initiated in 2006, is developing general
soils maps based on land management criteria. NRCS has
identified eco-regions based on geology, soils, and water,
combined with management practices, ranging from the
broad perspective of Land Resource Regions, to specific
Land Resource Units comprised of ~4-5 watersheds.
 Soil Services
o The Soil Service’s sole new project is NEON—National
Ecological Observatory Network—a major NSF-funded
research facility. NEON’s focus is to understand how various
drivers, such as climate change, land use/cover change, and
invasive species affect ecological patterns and processes.
Sampling is starting this year at 56 sites.
o NRCS has a contract with EPA for resampling efforts; NRCS
will provide training and analysis and EPA will conduct the
sampling work.
 Soil Interpretations / Rosetta
o NRCS is working on lateral flow modeling, using its ‘Rosetta
Model,’ developed by the USDA-ARS Salinity Lab, which
identifies both the top and bottom of a soil layer and can be
used to estimate water retention parameters, saturated
hydraulic conductivity, and unsaturated hydraulic
conductivity.
o NRCS is working up updating its soil survey data via the
Rosetta model; it is estimated to take ~4-5 months to
upload. Then Soils Division sees a need to address larger
data sets and a means to handle the access the data.
o AASG representatives provided an overview and
background on USGIN, including its development by an
AASG-led consortium in partnership with U.S. DOE. USGIN is
a publically available federated information-sharing
framework using open-source technology, to connect and
open earth science data to the public. NRCS expressed a
strong interest in USGIN as a solution for soils data.
 USGS 3DEP Program
o The group discussed the USGS 3D Elevation Program
(3DEP) and NRCS’ participation. 3DEP’s goal is to develop
high-quality topographic data and other three-dimensional
representations of natural and constructed features,
primarily through lidar.
 National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference
o NRCS reviewed plans for the 2015 National Cooperative Soil
Survey National Conference, June 7-11, in Duluth, MN. A call
for papers has been announced and additional information
is provided on the NRCS website.
o
ACTION ITEMS:
AZGS and USGIN representatives will follow up with NRCS on potential
use of USGIN for its soils data.
NRCS is now beginning its revision process of MRLA maps and would
like State Geologists to be involved in the effort.