Recently there has been a rapidly changing political climate in Sacramento toward the various types of professionals who practice in the geological, environmental, engineering, scientific and resources fields. In January, 1997, representatives from leading California-based geoscience, environmental and related organizations met in San Jose to discuss ways to bring geoscience organizations together in an affiliation of a council. The council would encourage the use of sound geological knowledge and practice in proposing, reviewing, and monitoring statutes, regulations, and public policies. The council would monitor California legislation and examine the activities of the various related professional boards in the state.

The world of legislation and regulation requires a lot of work that gives employment to many geologists, engineers and professionals in related fields. However, the laws and regulations requiring the work are often so poorly focused that they cause wasteful expenditures for clients, businesses, and taxpayers. Worse still, the legislation and regulations that would save lives and dollars have been ignored. Earthquake safety measures routinely recommended by panels of experts after major earthquakes are a prime example of good ideas quickly forgotten. Professionals working in the groundwater resources and environmental fields are quick to point out that water well log confidentiality continues to make their work harder and more costly. Second, our business opportunities and professional practice conditions are under scrutiny, not only by the Department of Consumer Affairs, but by other parts of the governor's administration and, by legislators, by public interest groups, and by other business coalitions.

If GRA members decide that the council is an appropriate affiliation, then the council will be an avenue in which GRA can participate in the legislative process using a larger and unified voice. In addition, the council may help to contribute toward resolving some of the issues that affect our members. Some examples of issues that the council could assist with include monitoring the new registrations for the Registered Environmental Assessor Class I and Class II, and the sunset review process of a particular state board. In addition, there are hydrologists, who by the nature of their degree, can not qualify for the registration exam for either the geology or engineering boards. These types of professional challenges have not been addressed effectively by existing professional societies. The council of geoscience organizations could address the many different needs in the areas in which we work. If a unified voice of several organizations can be heard in Sacramento, it is hoped that the important safety and professional issues that affect us will be appropriately addressed.

The organizing meeting of the California Council of Geoscience Organizations was attended by representatives of these state and local organizations: the American Institute of Professional Geologists, the Groundwater Resources Association, the Northern California Geological Society, the Inland Geological Society, the Association for Women Geoscientists, and the three California Sections of the Association of Engineering Geologists. Brian Lewis and James Jacobs attended for GRA. No commitments were made by any of the organizations or representatives at this organizing meeting. Governance and finance issues were discussed, and bylaws are being drawn.

The initial concept for the Council is that membership will be open to geoscience organizations, organizations in related professional fields, and businesses. In one governance plan under consideration, the Council would be controlled by a Board of Directors appointed by the member organizations for staggered three-year terms. An Executive Director, and possibly a lobbyist, would be retained initially on a part-time basis. These concepts may change as we get more input.

Frank McClure, former U.S. Senator from Idaho, in addressing a group of scientists and engineers, said "If you don't like politics and don't get involved in politics, you will be governed by those who do." Through CCGO, California professionals practicing in the areas related to geology, environmental science and engineering will be able to address some of the issues confronting our profession. The CCGO will be able to monitor the legislative process much better than the many professional societies can do on their own. It is for this reason that we suggest that the GRA membership consider the possibility that GRA become a member of the California Council of Geoscience Organizations. Please send your comments to Brian Lewis at GRA, P.O. Box 1446, Sacramento, CA 95812 or e-mail "admin@grac.org." Is this an organization that GRA should support? We need your input.

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James A. Jacobs is president of the San Francisco Chapter of the Groundwater Resources Association of California and president of the California Section of the American Instate of Professional Geologists. He is president of FAST-TEK Engineering Support Services. Brian Lewis is the Vice-President of the Groundwater Resources Association of California and a director for the organization. He works for the Cal EPA/Department of Toxics Substances Control. Robert E. Tepel is past president of the Association of Engineering Geologists. Mr. Tepel is a scientist with the Santa Clara Valley Water District.