I am writing this as a private citizen of Virginia and a 37-year practicing geologist certified in Virginia since 1991.  I am in favor of requiring licensure in Virginia based on the need for geologic services to be provided by credentialed professionals whose role it is to protect public welfare and safeguard life, health, property and the environment.  

Many of the most significant issues facing society today require the input of qualified geologists including reliable energy supplies, locating and extracting mineral resources, assessing and cleaning up environmental contamination, and maintaining potable water supplies.   

I am fully in support of DPOR continuing to certify professional geologists.