It is critical to the protection of the citizens of Virginia that a rigorous program be maintained to assure the quality of the services that geologists provide to the public.  The current voluntary program should be strengthened to be required and allow the grandfathering of the participants in good standing in that program.  The protection that upholding the minimum standards of professional conduct in the execution of geological investigations and projects insure that the individuals who are conducting the work are qualified and meet the standards of the profession.