Geoscience in Your State: Virginia

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Cover of Geoscience Policy State Factsheet. Image credit: AGI

By the numbers: Virginia

  • 8,782 geoscience employees (excludes self-employed)1
  • 298 million gallons/day: total groundwater withdrawal3
  • $1.25 billion: value of nonfuel mineral production in 20174
  • 64 total disaster declarations, including 17 severe storm, 15 flood, and 13 hurricane disasters (1953-2017)⁶
  • $18.8 million: NSF GEO grants awarded in 201714...

Agencies Working on Geoscience Issues in virginia

Virginia Department of Emergency Management

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management works with local government, state and federal agencies and voluntary organizations to provide resources and expertise through the five mission areas of emergency management.

Virginia Department of Energy

The Virginia Department of Energy enhances the development and conservation of energy and mineral resources in a safe and environmentally sound manner to support a more productive economy. Created as the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy in January 1985 under Governor Chuck Robb, in 2021 legislation was enacted officially changing and rebranding the agency as a greater focus was placed on renewable energy programs and economic development. Worker safety remains the agency’s top priority as it came into existence after a coal mining disaster in 1983 with the purpose of making service to mining, energy and mineral resources industries more efficient. Virginia Energy’s Coal Mine safety, Gas and Oil and Mineral Mining teams came from Virginia’s Department of Labor and Industry. The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency programs were under the State Office of Emergency Services. And, our Mined Land Repurposing team came to Virginia Energy from the Department of Conservation and Economic Development.

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

The Department of Environmental Quality protects and enhances Virginia’s environment, and promotes the health and well being of the citizens of the Commonwealth. The DEQ has programs in air, water, land protection, renewable energy, coastal zone management, pollution prevention, and environmental information.

Virginia Division of Geology and Mineral Resources

The Division of Geology and Mineral Resources (DGMR) serves as Virginia's geological survey. DGMR performs investigations aimed at reducing risk from geologic hazards and encouraging sustainable development through the wise use of mineral, land, water, and energy resources.

Case Studies & Factsheets

Cover of Geoscience Policy State Factsheet. Image credit: AGI

By the numbers: Virginia 8,782 geoscience employees (excludes self-employed)1 298 million gallons/day: total groundwater withdrawal3 $1.25 billion: value of nonfuel mineral production in 20174 64 total disaster declarations, including 17 severe storm, 15 flood, and 13 hurricane disasters (1953-...

Cover of AGI Factsheet 2018-004 - Present Day Climate Change

Climate Science 101 Climate is the average of weather conditions over several decades.1,2 Geoscientists monitor modern climate conditions (1880 A.D. to present) in part by taking direct measurements of weather data (i.e., air temperature, rainfall and snowfall, wind speed, cloudiness, and so on)...

CI_Factsheet_2017_5_drywellprograms_170906_thumb.JPG

Introduction Dry wells improve stormwater drainage and aquifer recharge by providing a fast, direct route for rainwater to drain deep into underlying sediment and rock. Dry wells are most common in the western U.S. where clay or caliche layers slow down the natural drainage of water into underlying...