AZGS participates in the 118th Annual Association of American State Geologists meeting

The Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS) was pleased to participate in the 118th Annual Meeting of the Association of American State Geologists (AASG), held June 6–11, 2026, in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The meeting brought together State Geologists and other state survey staff, the US Geological Survey (USGS), and other federal agency representatives, and geoscience leaders from across the United States to discuss national priorities, emerging geoscience challenges, and opportunities for collaboration among state and federal partners.

AZGS was represented by Director and State Geologist Phil Pearthree and AASG Associate Brian Gootee. They participated in technical discussions, committee meetings, strategic planning sessions, and field excursions focused on advancing the role of geological surveys in supporting energy development, critical mineral resources, groundwater sustainability, geologic hazards, geologic mapping, and public safety.

Founded in 1908, the AASG represents the State Geologists and Geological Surveys of the 50 states, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories. AASG serves as a national forum for collaboration among state geological surveys and provides a unified voice on issues related to geoscience research, natural resources, hazards, mapping, and public policy. The organization works closely with federal agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), to coordinate programs and advocate for investments in geologic data, mapping, resource assessments, and hazard characterization.

Participation in AASG is particularly important for Arizona because many of the state's priorities—including energy security, geothermal resource development, critical minerals, groundwater management, geologic hazards, and geologic mapping—depend on strong partnerships with federal agencies and other state surveys. Through AASG, AZGS helps shape national geoscience initiatives, shares Arizona's expertise and challenges, and ensures that Arizona remains engaged in programs that provide funding for our projects as well as critical geologic data and scientific information to support informed decision-making.

AZGS appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from across the country and to represent Arizona's geoscience interests at this important national gathering.