H.R. No. 2349
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Bureau of Economic Geology at The University of
Texas at Austin, the oldest research unit at the school, is
celebrating its centennial in 2009; and
WHEREAS, Established by The University of Texas Board of
Regents in 1909, the bureau is now part of the John A. and Katherine
G. Jackson School of Geosciences; members of the bureau staff
contribute to the state and to the advancement of science through
the undertaking of basic and applied research related to energy and
mineral resources, water resources, coastal processes, and
environmental issues; in addition, the staff provides a wide range
of advisory and technical services to industries, nonprofit
organizations, and local, state, and federal government agencies;
and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, the bureau has performed State
Geological Survey functions as requested by the Texas Legislature,
providing the geoscience information needed for the crafting of
state energy and other policies; and
WHEREAS, Bureau staff also conduct research for various
industry partners who lease mineral rights from the state,
including independent operators responsible for most of the oil and
gas production in Texas, and such initiatives create enhanced
royalty income and severance tax revenue; and
WHEREAS, Along with its service to elected officials,
government employees, and individuals in private industry, the
bureau provides outstanding educational opportunities for
undergraduate and graduate students, supports science fairs and
other programs oriented toward elementary and secondary students,
fosters the professional development of teachers, and promotes
professional education through its staff's engagement in symposia,
conferences, and the like; and
WHEREAS, A major research institution, the bureau maintains
the largest volume of subsurface core samples in the country, while
its publications program has produced hundreds of maps, reports,
and other publications; and
WHEREAS, Standing on the threshold of its second century, the
Bureau of Economic Geology is committed to addressing the issues of
energy, water, and the environment--three fundamental challenges
that are confronting Texas and the rest of the world; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 100th anniversary of the
founding of the Bureau of Economic Geology and extend to its staff
sincere best wishes for continued success in all their endeavors;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the bureau as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Howard of Travis
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2349 was adopted by the House on May
25, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House