HISTORY OF THE LICENSURE OF GEOLOGISTS - “WHERE WE’VE BEEN”

Last year, New York State (NYS) became the 30^th state to establish the profession of geology and regulate it through licensure. This monumental achievement has been approximately 20 years in the making and is the result of the hard work and financial support of the New York State Council of Professional Geologists (NYSCPG) and many other volunteers and organizations. Licensure assures the public that decisions regarding geologic issues in NYS will be made by qualified and ethical professionals. NYS agencies recognize the need to protect the public and ensure competency by requiring that certain activities be performed by licensed professionals, including referencing geologists. Given the geologic issues in New York, there has never been a better time or stronger need to mandate the professional licensure of geologists to help protect NYS’s citizens, natural resources, and the environment. This presentation overviews why licensure was required and provides a brief history of the bill making process.