PDF versionALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to recognize Dr. Peter Folger, Specialist in Energy and Natural Resources Policy for the Congressional Research Service (CRS) of the Library of Congress, as the 2020 recipient of the AGI Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Public Understanding of the Geosciences.
At CRS, Dr. Folger has supported greater public understanding of the geosciences. These endeavors begin with a congressional request that often is published for wide distribution beyond the halls of Congress. Dr. Folger's work represents a sound, unbiased, apolitical scientific approach that has been used by citizens and policymakers domestically and internationally.
His work on carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) has directly influenced legislation with impact on funding for CCS research. His service at CRS has also included work on natural hazards, water resources, climate change, federal geospatial policy, and additional natural resource issues. He began work at CRS in 2006 after eight years with the American Geophysical Union (AGU), where he was Director of Outreach and Research Support.
Prior to working at AGU, Dr. Folger held a variety of positions including: geological engineering consultant; Senior Fellow with the Center for the New West; Congressional Science Fellow in the office of Senator Pete V. Domenici of New Mexico; Manager of the Geochemical Programs Group at the Rocky Flats Plant; and a mineral exploration geologist prospecting for AMAX mining company.
Dr. Folger additionally is a Natural Resources Scholar at Georgetown University's Program on Science in the Public Interest. He earned his bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College, master's from the University of Montana, and Ph.D. from the Colorado School of Mines.
"I am both honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award from AGI," Dr. Folger said on receiving the award. "I have been fortunate for the opportunity to work with and write for the geoscience community, policy makers, and the broader public. It is particularly fulfilling that AGI chooses to recognize geoscientists who reach out beyond their fellow scientists and engage with communities who can value and benefit from our work."
The AGI award is presented to a person, organization, or institution in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the public understanding of the geosciences.
About AGI
AGI is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.
Contact:
Geoff Camphire, Communications