Bill Haneberg, 1960 - 2026

Dr. William (Bill) Haneberg, passed away suddenly on September 7 due to blood clots. Bill was 66 years old and is survived by his wife Lisa. Bill served as Kentucky Geological Survey Director and State Geologist from 2016 to 2023, where he brought his expertise in geohazards to the survey. Bill oversaw several changes at KGS, including adoption of transdisciplinary research themes, such as radon research. Upon his retirement from UK, Bill worked as a consultant at his home in New Mexico, where he remained active in geohazards and policy research.  

- From Doug Curl

USGS and Nebraska Release First-Ever Statewide Map of Surface Geology

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have released the first statewide map depicting the geology at Nebraska's land surface, closing a long-standing gap in the nation's geologic map coverage.

https://www.usgs.gov/news/state-news-release/usgs-and-nebraska-release-first-ever-statewide-map-surface-geology

A National Cooperative Subsurface Assessment Program

The US energy future—from geothermal, nuclear, wind, solar, and hydropower to oil and natural gas—depends on the subsurface. Yet despite its strategic importance, the subsurface remains one of the nation’s most undercharacterized assets. As demand grows for secure domestic energy, critical minerals, storage capacity, and water resources, better understanding the subsurface will be essential to reducing uncertainty, unlocking domestic resources, guiding investment, minimizing environmental impacts, and supporting responsible development. To address these gaps, a study released today advances nine cross-sectoral recommendations, together with resource-specific actions. Together, they support an overarching recommendation that Congress establish a National Cooperative Subsurface Assessment Program that builds on existing federal and state authorities to strengthen U.S. energy security, economic competitiveness, environmental stewardship, and responsible management of the nation’s subsurface resources. https://www.npc.org/reports/2026-american-resources/

Investment in Mining Schools

On August 7, 2026, the US Department of Defense announced over $80 million in investments in multiple schools of mines and metallurgy, including the Colorado School of Mines, the South Dakota School of Mines, and Johns Hopkins University. In recent years the federal government has taken action to ensure a domestic supply of critical minerals for America's economy and national security, securing reliable supplies of critical materials and supply chains.

State Geologist of Illinois, Drew Andrews

On October 1st, 2026, William M. Andrews, Jr., Ph.D., PG, will be the 15th Illinois State Geologist and next Director of the Illinois State Geological Survey. After joining the Kentucky Geological Survey in 1996, he became head of the KGS Geologic Mapping section in 2008, and acting state geologist in 23/24. He moved to the Nevada survey in 2025, and also worked with GSA. Drew received his BS in geology in 1993, his MS in 1997, and his PhD in 2004, all from University of Kentucky. Drew’s education in stratigraphy, tectonics, coal petrology, and structural geology. Congratulations, Drew!

Pat Leahy 1947 - 2026

Dr. P. Patrick Leahy passed August 7, 2026. Pat attended Boston College and received his doctorate in geology (1979) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in regional groundwater studies. He joined USGS in 1974, where he eventually served as Associate Director for Geology and Acting Director of USGS, before becoming AGI Executive Director from 2007-2016. He was accomplished and respected, he contributed broadly, he was a friend of AASG, and he will be missed.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/falls-church-va/p-leahy-13010045

Critical Minerals Proposal Selected to Build Wyoming-Idaho-Nevada Coalition

A collaborative team — representing the University of Wyoming, the University of Nevada-Reno and the University of Idaho — was selected for funding under the Intermountain Critical Minerals Research Launchpad (ICMRL) to advance technologies across the critical minerals supply chain by applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

Source

Multi-Fidelity AI Foundation Model for Coupled Surface-Groundwater Predictions of Water Availability and Flood Hazards Across CONUS

A new AI foundation model blending multi-scale hydrologic simulations with real-time data will deliver fast, high-resolution predictions of water availability and flood hazards to support energy, infrastructure, and community resilience nationwide. Water availability and flood risks are major concerns for energy production and infrastructure resilience across the United States. Predicting these challenges accurately is difficult because current large-scale hydrologic models are often too computationally expensive to provide local detail at a continental scale and tend to oversimplify the complex interactions between surface water and groundwater. Many also do not fully represent human influence such as groundwater extraction, degrading the predictability of water availability in high-demand regions. This makes it hard for communities, industries, and energy providers to plan for droughts, floods, and changing water needs.

Argonne National Laboratory

Jon Arthur has completed his time as AGI Executive Director

Dr. Jonathan Arthur has completed his time at AGI, having been appointed Executive Director on August 1, 2021. He earned his Ph.D. from Florida State University in 1994. Jon joined the Florida Geological Survey in 1993, and was Florida State Geologist from 2008 to 2021. He served as AASG President in 2014/2015, having joined AASG Executive in 2010, and also served as President of the Florida Association of Professional Geologists. Jon is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, and received the John T. Galey, Sr. Memorial Public Service Award from the American Institute of Professional Geologists. He was appointed to the Water Science and Technology Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Great work, Jon!

Critical minerals center in Alaska

The NSF Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine in Alaska, led by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, aims to unlock Alaska’s expansive critical mineral resources by integrating advanced mining, processing, and purification technologies, AI-enabled geochemical exploration systems, and novel bioextraction approaches. The NSF ACMA Engine will connect communities, researchers, workforce development, and industry stakeholders to expand workforce training and career pathways that support high-quality jobs, particularly in remote Alaska communities. By strengthening local workforce capacity and enabling new business and supply chain opportunities, the NSF ACMA Engine will contribute to long-term economic growth, regional stability, and domestic industrial capacity.

Chris Keane is the AGI Interim Executive Director

Dr. Christopher Keane is the AGI Interim Executive Director, following the departure of Dr. Jonathan Arthur, who held the role for five years. A search for a permanent Executive Director will be launched. Since joining the AGI in 1997, Dr. Keane has served as Director of Communications & Technology and Editor of EARTH Magazine (Geotimes), and many other roles, such as Director of Geoscience Profession and Higher Education. Before that, he worked at the U.S. Bureau of Mines Industrial Minerals Section. He earned his Ph.D. in Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Science at the University of Maryland. We are eager to support you as always, Chris!

Members of the Association of American State Geologists (AASG), June 2026