Science Policy

Roles of the GSA Policy Entities

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”   — Margaret Mead

Geology and Public Policy 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.
• 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

• 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.

Washington, D.C., Office

• 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 cosponsors congressional briefings on geoscience issues.
• Fosters participation of GSA members in congressional visits days.
• 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 interface between the geosciences and public policy by working with GSA’s International Secretariat, GSA International, the Geology and Public Policy Committee, the Geology and Society Division and the other Divisions, Sections, and organizational units of GSA.
• Washington, D.C., office contact information.