Association of American State Geologists

The Association of American State Geologists (AASG) is an organization of the chief executives of the state geological surveys in 50 states and Puerto Rico. The responsibilities of the various state surveys differ from state to state, depending upon the enabling legislation and the traditions under which the survey evolved. Almost all function as a basic information source for their state governments' executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Some have regulatory responsibilities for water, oil and gas, land reclamation, etc.

The first state geological survey was established in 1823 in North Carolina. By 1840, there were at least 15 state surveys, most of which were charged with the discovery of mineral, energy, land, and water resources in their state or territory. The State Geologists began formal meetings with the U.S. Geological Survey 1879, the year that organization was established. Since 1908, the Association has met regularly to discuss issues of common interest and to initiate united actions when warranted.

[http://www.stategeologists.org]

The Pick and Gavel Award was commissioned by the membership of the Association of American State Geologists (AASG) to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing or facilitating the role of geoscience in the public policy arena.

The image etched into the award symbolizes its meaning:
the Geologist's Pick, a trademark of geoscientific enterprise;
the Gavel, representing the deliberative process; and
the Nation's Capitol, where the two come together in formulating national public policy.

The message of the award is completed by a mounted, one-of-a-kind mineral, fossil, or rock symbolizing the earth, of which we must all be responsible stewards.

Recipients of the AASG Pick and Gavel Award are:

2007 – Dr. Frank Press, former Presidential Science Advisor and President of the National Academy of Sciences
Congressman Norm Dicks (D–Washington)

2006 - Congressman Ron Kind (D-Wisconsin)

2005 - Marcus Milling, Executive Director, American Geological Institute

2004 - Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada)
Senator Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico)

2003 - Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska)
Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico)

2002 - Gale A. Norton, Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior

2001 - Senator Joe Lieberman (D-Connecticut)
Representative Ralph Regula (R-Ohio

2000 - Representative Jim Gibbons (D-Nevada)
Dr. Rita Colwell, Director, National Science Foundation

1999 - Senator Larry E. Craig (R-Idaho)
Representative Barbara Cubin (R-Wyoming)
Representative Nick J. Rahall, II (D-West Virginia)
General Richard L. Lawson, National Mining Association