The Association of American State Geologists (AASG) is an organization of the chief executives of the state geological surveys in 50 states and Puerto Rico. The responsibilities of the various state surveys differ from state to state, depending upon the enabling legislation and the traditions under which the survey evolved. Almost all function as a basic information source for their state governments' executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Some have regulatory responsibilities for water, oil and gas, land reclamation, etc.

The first state geological survey was established in 1823 in North Carolina. By 1840, there were at least 15 state surveys, most of which were charged with the discovery of mineral, energy, land, and water resources in their state or territory. The State Geologists began formal meetings with the U.S. Geological Survey 1879, the year that organization was established. Since 1908, the Association has met regularly to discuss issues of common interest and to initiate united actions when warranted.

The Pick and Gavel Award

The Pick and Gavel Award was commissioned by the membership of the Association of American State Geologists (AASG) to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing or facilitating the role of geoscience in the public policy arena. The image etched into the award symbolizes its meaning:

the Geologist's Pick, a trademark of geoscientific enterprise;
the Gavel, representing the deliberative process; and
the Nation's Capitol, where the two come together in formulating national public policy.

The message of the award is completed by a mounted, one-of-a-kind mineral, fossil, or rock symbolizing the earth, of which we must all be responsible stewards.

Recipients of the AASG Pick and Gavel Award

2007

Dr. Frank Press

Frank Press

Frank Press is an American geophysicist.Born in Brooklyn, New York, Press was science advisor to President Jimmy Carter from1976 to 1980,and president of the U.S. NationalAcademy of Sciences from 1981 to 1993...

, former Presidential Science Advisor and President of the National Academy of Sciences

United States National Academy of Sciences

The National Academy of Sciences is a corporation in the United States whose members serve pro bono as "advisers to the nation on science, engineering, and medicine." As a national academy, new members of the organization are elected annually by current members, based on their distinguished and...

Congressman Norm Dicks (D–Washington)

2006

Congressman Ron Kind

Ron Kind

Ronald James "Ron" Kind is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1997. He is a member of the Democratic Party. His district is located in the western portion of the state and is anchored by La Crosse and Eau Claire and Platteville....

 (D-Wisconsin)

2005

Marcus Milling, Executive Director, American Geological Institute

American Geological Institute

The American Geosciences Institute is a nonprofit federation of 45 geoscientific and professional associations that represents more than 100,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists...

2004

Senator Harry Reid

Harry Reid

Harry Mason Reid is the senior United States Senator from Nevada, serving since 1987. A member of the Democratic Party, he has been the Senate Majority Leader since January 2007, having previously served as Minority Leader and Minority and Majority Whip.Previously, Reid was a member of the U.S...

 (D-Nevada)

Senator Pete Domenici

Pete Domenici

Pietro Vichi "Pete" Domenici is an American Republican politician, who served six terms as a United States Senator from New Mexico, from 1973 to 2009, the longest tenure in the state's history....

 (R-New Mexico)

2003

Senator Ted Stevens

Ted Stevens

Theodore Fulton "Ted" Stevens, Sr. was a United States Senator from Alaska, serving from December 24, 1968, until January 3, 2009, and thus the longest-serving Republican senator in history...

 (R-Alaska)

Senator Jeff Bingaman

Jeff Bingaman

Jesse Francis "Jeff" Bingaman, Jr. , is the senior U.S. Senator from New Mexico and a member of the Democratic Party...

 (D-New Mexico)

2002

Gale A. Norton, Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior

2001

Senator Joe Lieberman

Joe Lieberman

Joseph Isadore "Joe" Lieberman is the senior United States Senator from Connecticut. A former member of the Democratic Party, he was the party's nominee for Vice President in the 2000 election. Currently an independent, he remains closely affiliated with the party.Born in Stamford, Connecticut,...

 (D-Connecticut)

Representative Ralph Regula

Ralph Regula

Ralph Straus Regula was a Representative in the United States Congress from the 16th District of the State of Ohio. He retired in January 2009 after 18 consecutive terms. He is a member of the Republican Party. In the 110th Congress , he was the second longest serving Republican member of the U.S...

 (R-Ohio)

2000

Representative Jim Gibbons (D-Nevada)

Dr. Rita Colwell, Director, National Science Foundation

National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation is a United States government agency that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering. Its medical counterpart is the National Institutes of Health...

1999

Senator Larry E. Craig (R-Idaho)

Representative Barbara Cubin

Barbara Cubin

Barbara Lynn Cubin was a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, having served as the sole member of that body from Wyoming. In the 109th Congress, she was a member of the House Resources Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee...

 (R-Wyoming)

Representative Nick J. Rahall, II (D-West Virginia)

General Richard L. Lawson, National Mining Association

National Mining Association

The National Mining Association , is a trade organization that lists itself as the voice of the mining industry in Washington, D.C. NMA was formed in 1995, and has more than 325 corporate members.-History:...