In 1976, legislation to decontrol natural gas failed by four votes in Congress. In 1978, legislation to permit federal exploration in the Arctic Wildlife Range failed by two votes. Also in 1978, a proposal to consider the Natural Gas Policy Act separately from other parts of the National Energy Plan failed by the vote of 206 to 205. Many times energy legislation is approved or disapproved by very narrow margins.

Geologists, with some notable exceptions, are largely inactive in the political process. What a waste, as no one has greater potential to be effective. No one understands the occurrence, distribution, discovery, and production of oil and gas better than geologists. In the meantime, domestic supplies of oil and gas decline in the face of increasing federal intervention.

AAPG has recognized the necessity for becoming active in politics and has created the Committee of Strategic Affairs. Other geologic organizations are similarly active. A compelling argument can be made that all geologists should mobilize in a massive assault on energy issues in an attempt to arrest the decline. Changing just a few votes in Congress would do the job.

End_of_Article - Last_Page 531------------