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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database
Houston Geological Society Bulletin
Abstract
Abstract: Registration of
Geologists
in Texas -
Is It Necessary?
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By
The registration of geologists
is a complex problem that
has created numerous emotional opinions among
geologists
,
especially in the petroleum producing states. As of today,
eleven states have some type of registration, three states
have certification and three have a legal definition of
geology. In 1953, Delaware was the first state to register
geologists
, followed by Arizona in 1956. The floods and
landslides in southern California in the late 1950's provided
the public impetus to demand registration of
geologists
and
engineering
geologists
in California. This occurred in 1968.
California, an oil producing state, recognized that there are
two practices of geology and therefore established the
certification in the specialty of engineering geology.
The legal authority provided to any state to register
professionals falls under the state's police power to "protect
the health. safety and welfare of the public." No other justification exists for
registration. Geologists
consider themselves to be scientists with limited
impact on the public health, safety and welfare. Many are involved in the
advancement of the study of the earth or in the exploration
and development of the earth's resources and do not
directly impact the public. However,
geologists
involved in
environmental, hydrogeologic and engineering problems
have a direct impact on the health, safety and welfare of the
public. Registration is therefore needed for some
geologists
and is not necessary for others. In recognition of this conflict
of needs, the Association of Engineering
Geologists
has
been working with the American Institute of Professional
Geologists
to develop a registration bill for Texas that
recognizes and exempts research and resource
geologists
and registers engineering and environmental
geologists
and hydrogeologists. In essence, the proposed bill would only
require registration of
geologists
who work directly in the
public sector on matters concerning public health, safety
and welfare.
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