AGI Factsheets Showcase Geoscience in Every State

Alexandria, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce the first update of Geoscience in Your State, a series of 50 factsheets which quantify vital contributions of geoscience (earth science) to the economy, environment, and public health and safety of every U.S. state. The main goal of this series is to inform the geoscience community and policy-makers about the impacts of geoscience in their respective regions.

AGI has gathered up-to-date information using sources that provide consistent, nationwide data wherever possible to generate this comprehensive, standardized set of factsheets. Unlike a lengthy report, these factsheets allow federal and state decision-makers to glean important facts about the role of geoscience and the government agencies that fund geoscience research in their states at a glance.

The factsheets highlight various ways that investing in geoscience benefits states. Geoscientists — scientists that study the Earth — are valuable members of each state’s workforce, and their work provides decision-relevant information on water use, energy and minerals production, and natural hazards in each state. The factsheets also demonstrate the contributions of federal science agencies, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Perhaps most importantly, the factsheets show how geoscience benefits every state. Water, minerals, and all forms of energy - natural resources that many of us take for granted — would not be safely accessible without geoscience. Geoscience also helps mitigate the risks of natural hazards like earthquakes, hurricanes, and droughts, as well as hazardous waste. Finally, geoscience creates jobs, attracts students and faculty to universities, and spurs research and innovation for the benefit of all.

AGI’s Geoscience in Your State factsheets are freely available for download and public use at http://bit.ly/AGIStateSheets.

On September 13, geoscientists from around the U.S. will arrive on Capitol Hill for in-person visits with their members of Congress as part of the annual Geoscience Congressional Visits Day (Geo-CVD). Learn more at http://bit.ly/GeoCVD_AGI.