Leaders from Texas Meet to Guide the Bureau’s Future

The Bureau of Economic Geology recently hosted the annual meeting of its Visiting Committee at Bureau headquarters in Austin. The Visiting Committee brings together leaders from state agencies, industry, academia, and nonprofit organizations, each with a genuine interest in furthering the research and activities of the Bureau and in advancing its mission for the people of Texas. Members offered their keen insights into the future horizons of geoscience research, and shared valuable information about potential new partners and funding opportunities.

The Committee was welcomed by new UT Jackson School of Geosciences Dean Danny Stockli who noted the importance of the Bureau's work to the State of Texas and to the School. Bureau Director Lorena Moscardelli provided a broard overview of the successes of the organization and its current status. Eight senior researchers presented their latest findings and observations in research areas that included produced water challenges and opportunities, critical minerals and materials, enhanced oil recovery in shales, geologic data accessibility and preservation, research support for all levels of industry, geologic hazards, and subsurface mapping.

Among the key takeaways from the meeting was the continued strengthening of close relationships between the Bureau of Economic Geology as the State Geologic Survey of Texas and sister state agencies including the Texas Railroad Commission, the Texas General Land Office, and the Texas Water Development Board.

"I'm very grateful to the Bureau's friends on our Visiting Committee for spending a day with us and for sharing their expertise and constructive opinions," noted Dr. Moscardelli. "I truly value this annual opportunity to step back and to learn from our members' unique perspectives on our work and our future."

For more information about the Bureau of Economic Geology or its Visiting Committee, please contact Assistant Director for External Affairs, Mark W. Blount.