Dear Board,
I would strongly recommend keeping licensed geologist in the state of Virginia. First and foremost, I believe Virginia has unique and vastly varying landmass types and rock types, making for a state in need of people who can differentiate them for public safety and use. Second of all, the public, and private businesses, or developers are able to search the DPOR database for licensed individuals for any reason pertaining to anything commercial, industrial, to residential consultation where they need an experts opinion. You get rid of that, and I'm afraid that people could be douped or scammed by people who have no business offering geologic advice. I do request that geologists remain licensed professionals in the state of Virginia.
Thank you,
Nick Bass