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