---

Worldwide recognition and support for NBMG and NGL ...

As a consequence of the dire economic situation in Nevada, the Nevada System of Higher Education faces a cut of the state-funded budget of more than 30%. In order to meet the budget cut requested by the Nevada legislator, the President of UNR has proposed to cut the budget of NBMG disproportionally by more than 50%. Such a cut would take away the economic basis for NBMG to provide mandated services for Nevada. The cut would also reduce the ability of NBMG to win external grants and have a significant negative impact on the overall UNR budget and the economy of Nevada.

As a reaction to the proposed disproportional budget cut, more than 110 letters of support for NBMG were sent to the UNR President from national and international agencies, universities, and individuals. In the following, we provide quotes from all of these letters that illustrate the high recognition NBMG enjoys worldwide and the widespread concerns that the proposed cuts will have a devastating impact on NBMG, UNR and the economy of Nevada.

---

“Statewide —Worldwide”
Quotes from Letters

A summary of what is at stake: “Nevada absolutely must have a healthy state geological survey”

“A state like Nevada absolutely must have a healthy state geological survey; without it, who will address geologic resource and hazard issues with the State’s interests in mind? NBMG is the State of Nevada’s knowledge resource for these problems and opportunities. Federal agencies have their own perspectives and priorities, and given the importance of geologic resources and the hazards posed by earthquakes and other geologic processes, Nevada will suffer for the long‐term if it abandons these areas entirely to the Federal government. Many scientists at NBMG have built nationally or internationally respected research programs, and UNR stands to lose these people if the budget cut stands. If they are not laid off directly, you will lose people due to rapid attrition as your best scientists abandon the sinking ship for more viable and secure jobs elsewhere, taking their knowledge, research capabilities, and external funding elsewhere. What has been built over many years can be destroyed very quickly, even within a single year. I have to emphasize that you are likely to lose people off the top – your best scientists will be in demand elsewhere, if they decide they need to leave because colleagues or research group members they rely upon have lost their jobs or left, or because UNR no longer provides an attractive environment for their research.” — J. Freymueller, Geophysical Institute, U. Alaska Fairbanks (read the letter).

International Response

“This proposal will be an enormous blow to a bureau that has contributed much to State, National and International Earth sciences and will effectively reduce the unit to a mere shell of its former self.” — R. Wonnacott, Chief Directorate, National Geo-Spatial Information, South Africa (read the letter).

“Experts at the NBMG enjoy international reputation, and we consider the NBMG as important institution for both fundamental and applied research in geosciences. We believe this huge down-sizing and potential elimination would be extremely short-sighted, because it would imply that Nevada will lose money, miss economic opportunities and destroy an institution of growing importance and international recognition. We therefore urge you to drop the proposed budget cuts and consider a strengthening of the NBMG instead – for the benefit of the people of Nevada.” — I. Moeck, D. Bruhn, International Center for Geothermal Research, GFZ, Germany (read the letter).

“The profile of the Nevada Geodetic Laboratory is such as to place it amongst the top five academic institutions in the field of geodesy in the world today.” — C. Rizos, Pres-Elect of International Association of Geodesy, and Head of Surveying and Spatial Information, U. New South Wales, Australia (read the letter).

“Frankly, I cannot understand why the University of Nevada should hinder NBMG to play its important role as a thriving force in a state that has an abundance of minerals and geothermal potential and is, on the other hand, exposed to important geohazards. I am furthermore not convinced of the plan to fold NBMG in with the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering – a measure which would inevitably lead to a significant loss of the high profile the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology currently has in science and in its important service to society.” — G. Beutler, Director, Astronomical Institute, U. Berne, Switzerland (read the letter).

“We have experienced as you may have, that investing into a business without reliable information and lack of understanding of the Earth has caused severe results and uncompensated losses. Although we have no direct connection with State of Nevada we kindly request you reconsider the budget cut, as NBMG has been pioneer in Earth sciences worldwide.” — K. Oguz, Y. Muh, S. Belediyesi, Geologists, Municipality of Salihli, Turkey (read the letter).

“The University of Nevada will lose opportunities to leverage this world-class facility and earn research income, and attract to the state, and to the university, innovative research projects.” — C. Rizos, Pres-Elect of International Association of Geodesy, and Head of Surveying and Spatial Information, U. New South Wales, Australia (read the letter).

“For Nevada, information from (NBMG) studies is vital for assessing seismic hazards, geological mapping for mineral exploration, and for investigating geothermal resources. In addition the (geodesy) group has developed GPS analysis software that is now widely used by researchers worldwide. It is not an understatement to say that they have pioneered both the theory and application of GPS which are of huge benefit to the scientific community, globally as well as locally.” — Per-E. Opseth, Director, Geodetic Institute, Norwegian Mapping Authority, Norway (read the letter).

“In my opinion the ability to join great scientific insight and technological development in the analysis of Global Positioning System (GPS) observations, together with top-level geophysical/tectonic analysis, makes the Nevada Geodetic Laboratory one of the best geodetic groups in the academic community worldwide.” — N. D’Agostino, Senior Researcher, Istituto Nazionale Geofisica Vulcanologia, Italy (read the letter).

“(The geodesy) group are internationally recognized scientists who are known for their innovative and significant contributions to our science.” — T. VanDam, U. Luxembourg, Luxembourg (read the letter).

“Nevada Geodetic Laboratory members are highly regarded globally for their scientific endeavors and participation in international bodies. The overall figure for NBMG is something like $2 in external income for every $1 of State funding. The vast majority of this revenue is spent within Nevada, directly or indirectly, so if NBMG is prevented from continuing in its current form this income may be lost to the State.” — P.J. Clarke, U. Newcastle, UK (read the letter).

“I understand that your administration is contemplating severe cuts in (NBMG’s) budget that may lead to dismissal of staff members. 1 find it particularly surprising at a time when the horrendous Japanese disaster has shown the absolute necessity of efficient environmental scientists, especially in the domain of geodesy, that such a move should be contemplated.” — X. Le Pichon, Foreign Associate, US Academy of Sciences,; French Academy of Sciences., France (read the letter).

“I am more than astonished to hear this sad news that jeopardizes the NBMG existence, while Nevada is a thriving state with an abundance of minerals and geothermal potential, yet with serious geohazards.” — Z. Altamimi, Research Director, Institut Géographique National, France (read the letter).

“Nevada, as in the case of several states in Australia, has mineral wealth and geothermal potential. This is a time for Nevada to beef up its geosciences, the NBMG, and it is certainly not the time to cap or diminish its commitment to the geosciences.” — C. Rizos, Pres-Elect of International Association of Geodesy, and Head of Surveying and Spatial Information, U. New South Wales, Australia (read the letter).

“In a state where geohazards and nuclear waste co-exist and where mineral resources and geothermal energy abound, the question should be ‘Can Nevada afford to not support the NBMG and the NGL?’ The proposed cuts and administrative changes will ravage the NBMG, rendering it essentially useless.” — T. VanDam, U. Luxembourg, Luxembourg (read the letter).

“Geoscience Australia’s own experience has shown the direct relationship between continued government research funding and sustained industry investment. It is understood globally that resources are becoming harder to find, and more expensive to extract. Government research programs, coupled with industry R&D activities, are required to counter this trend.” — G. Johnston, National Geospatial Reference Systems Program, Geosciences Australia (read the letter).

“Do not be fooled into thinking that a full-time research entity is like any other university department, and can be as successful with its research co-existing with education. It would be a catastrophe if the state geo-hazard monitoring capabilities developed by NBMG over the recent decade were to suffer because of a lack of manpower.” — D. Lavallée, ex-postdoctoral scholar, T.U. Delft, Netherlands (read the letter).

“NBMG is home to world-class research groups, and provides a unique link between this research and the communities the research is designed to help. The state of Nevada was founded through mines and geology, and will continue to require a very close relationship with its natural environment in order both to stay financially healthy and to protect its people from harmful earthquakes. These budget cuts will serve to sever that necessary relationship, and the future costs of doing so could be severe.” — E. Hill, Singapore National Research Foundation Fellow (read the letter).

Funding Agency Response

“NBMG has developed in recent years world-class capabilities in GPS-based geodesy, earthquake modeling, and natural hazard monitoring (which I was partially involved in sponsoring). These capabilities have been leveraged by NASA (my organization) and other organizations to provide outstanding societal benefits on a global and national scale, as well as for the State of Nevada. It is unfortunate that the investment Nevada and the federal Government have made in NBMG will now be jeopardized.” — Y. Bar-Sever, Manager NASA DGPS System (read the letter).

“The activities, research, and contributions of the NBMG department of the University of Nevada, Reno are globally renowned and comprise core competencies that are extremely difficult to cultivate, attract and aggregate.” — R. Neilan, Director, International GPS Service Central Bureau, NASA (read the letter).

“I believe that such a cut, and the loss of valuable research staff, would also be a blow to the Nation.” — W. Holt, Chair, Board of Directors, UNAVCO (NSF Facility) (read the letter).

“Professionally the Bureau is of the highest caliber and exemplary among state geological surveys. For a state that relies so heavily on the mineral industry, that is now pushing the development of geothermal energy, has to pay attention to seismic hazards, and clearly has long-term water resource issues, it seems just a bit strange that the state would want to cripple, or worse, do away with the NBMG. Jon Price must be given credit for taking the Bureau to new levels of excellence, to a place where it can provide information on these issues that impact not only the state of Nevada, but the nation. Although this is an outsider's view, there will be many eyes on the state and UNR assessing what happens.” — Walter S. Snyder, Director, National Geothermal Data System, DOE-Geothermal Data Repository (read the letter).

“NBMG drives research innovation that gives UNR global reach. No one, within the U.S. or elsewhere, can duplicate the unique contributions of this group. A local threat to NBMG is an international threat to a global science community and to progress on geohazards mitigation and fundamental research.” — M.M. Miller, President UNAVCO (NSF Facility) (read the letter).

“I urge you to fully consider the negative impact the proposed reductions would have on the unique capabilities and capacities of the NBMG and NGL for the state of Nevada, the United States and (yes) even the world.” — R. Neilan, Director, International GPS Service Central Bureau, NASA (read the letter).

“A forward-thinking step would be to maintain this important institution to ensure proper stewardship of mineral and energy resources that are of strategic national importance, and in order to maintain an understanding of seismic hazards in the active plate boundary zone through Nevada.” — W. Holt, Chair, Board of Directors, UNAVCO (NSF Facility). (read the letter).

“The Geodetic Laboratory creates data products that are foundational to linking research to earthquake hazards and risk mitigation. The credentials, innovation, productivity, and impact of their collective work is staggering. And of course, the resources that NBMG attracts to conduct this work triples the state’s investment for the economic benefit of Nevada and for the national interest.” — M.M. Miller, President UNAVCO (NSF Facility) (read the letter).

National Response

“It's simple: Continued work by NBMG geologists to locate active faults and map other potential geologic hazards will save lives.” — R. Briggs, USGS Golden (read the letter).

“...it seems to me that you are planning to cut one of the most accomplished groups of scientists in your entire institution, and one that brings in brings in large amount of external funding, and therefore leverages its state funding better than the majority of units within your university.” — M. Bevis, Ohio Eminent Scholar, Ohio State U (read the letter).

“In my opinion it would be a major blunder, similar to that made by U. Florida, for UNR to jeopardize this world class laboratory by significantly cutting its funding — you could wake up one day to find that the entire team has accepted an offer to move their program to another state.” — W.E. Carter, U. Houston; former Director, NOAA GeoSciences Lab (read the letter).

“Most leading universities in the USA and in Europe would be delighted to host a laboratory such as the Nevada Geodetic Laboratory” — M. Bevis, Ohio Eminent Scholar, Ohio State U (read the letter).

“I am aware of (the geodesy group’s) scientific contributions, international stature, and their ability to attract external funds. These are important assets for UNR and if they move elsewhere the stature of the NBMG and UNR will decrease substantially. So I urge you to make the cuts wisely to retain the best people who generally provide a net influx of funding to the University.” — D. Sandwell, President American Geophysical Union Geodesy Section (read the letter).

“I can say without reservation that the NBMG is the premier state geological organization in the United States. The reputation of the University and the state of Nevada are uplifted by the quality work of the NBMG.” — L. Meinert, Editor, Economic Geology (read the letter).

“The activities of the Nevada Geodetic Laboratory, and other highly respected groups of the NBMG, afford UNR with an extremely high profile in the Earth sciences, not only within the U.S., but also around the globe.” — J.L. Davis, Lamont Research Professor, Columbia U (read the letter).

“The work with GPS in Nevada has revealed an important correlation between crustal strain rates geothermal energy resources. Drs. Geoff Blewitt and Corné Kreemer at the NBMG are responsible for this discovery. Energy resources, such as geothermal energy, are of national importance. These resources represent an area of economic opportunity for the state of Nevada.” — W. Holt, State U. New York, Stoneybrook (read the letter).

“Beyond mineral resources and geothermal energy, NBMG directly supports other themes of direct economic interest to the state, including Nevada's petroleum resources, the geologic implications of the proposed Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository, and the State's essential but limited water resources. Recognizing these contributions and their long-term importance to Nevada, we urge that NBMG funding be sustained at $2.1 million, particularly given a demonstrated 2 for 1 multiplier effect through external research grants on topics of immediate and lasting value. If implemented, the proposed cuts in funding have the potential to destroy one of Nevada's premier technological assets, something that cannot be easily rebuilt when better times return.” — J. Dilles, M. Barton, J. Cline, Board of Natural Resources of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (read the letter).

“NBMG has a world-class program in mineral resource science, which plays a crucial role supporting Nevada's multibillion dollar minerals industry. NBMG is conducting important research required to develop Nevada's geothermal energy resources, which make Nevada the second largest geothermal energy producer in the nation. NBMG is a national leader in studying geological hazards and helping the state address them in sensible and economic ways. NBMG researchers have been developing one of the finest programs in the world using ultra-high-precision Global Positioning System data to assess how and where future earthquakes are likely. NBMG has also produced the best educational material I know of to explain earthquake hazards and preparedness to the public. I have used some of this material in my new book about earthquakes.” — S. Stein, William Deering Prof., Northwestern U (read the letter).

“In Nevada, the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Resources is the go-to agency for geological resources. Removing the current level of funding from NBMG compromises the state’s ability to attract new business, provide on-going geologic research to save lives and protect property from natural disasters, and would reduce public access to geologic information.” — M. Miller, Reno, Nevada (read the letter).

“...research productivity in geodesy far surpasses that of larger and better known state universities such as Berkeley, University of Washington, UCLA, University of Texas etc. As an Earth scientist, I am perplexed that a state with a long history of mineral development is even considering cutting the NBMG.” — K. Larson, U. Colorado (read the letter).

“A cut of over 50% cut is too severe to sustain the NMBG’s important public safety and information role such as assisting the State Damage Assessment Team, evaluating possible unstable landslides and major earthquake risks and getting information about the event out to the public. They do earthquake fault mapping, earthquake scenario planning, HAZUS runs and are developing a statewide inventory of unreinforced masonry buildings that are a great threat to public safety if not mitigated.” — W. Carlson, Earthquake Safety Council (read the letter).

“Despite the state's serious financial difficulties, the proposed cuts would be a major mistake. The loss of talented researchers and important programs would cause damage for many years. It is crucial to think of NBMG's activities as investments in the state's future economic growth.” — S. Stein, William Deering Prof., Northwestern U (read the letter).

“NBMG is not just a good survey, it is outstanding. With downsizing or elimination, a great resource that much more than pays for itself is suddenly gone. For example, it’s hard to imagine the hit that Nevada’s economic prospects for the future will take if the gold mining industry can no longer benefit from the work of the NBMG.” — C. Miller, Director of Graduate Studies, Vanderbilt. U. (read the letter).

“The overwhelming response to our (AGU Council) surveys was that there is a desperate need for a clear connection between the scientific research and the public. NBMG provides this type of connection, and in doing so means that UNR has been one of the leaders in what is now a growing trend.” — E. Hill, American Geophysical Union Council (read the letter).

“I believe it would be a mistake to break up this excellent group of scientists whose mission is so important to the state of Nevada and whose work is so esteemed around the world.” — R. Gordon, President-Elect American Geophysical Union Geomagmatism and Paleomagmatism Section (read the letter).

“I am particularly concerned about the fate of the Nevada Geodetic Laboratory. This group is one of the most qualified and productive ones in the world.” This group is one of the most qualified and productive ones in the world. This group works on critical problems for both Nevada and the scientific community in general. The algorithms and theories developed by this group are widely used throughout the world.” — T. Herring, Prof. Geophysics, MIT (read the letter).

“NBMG's work is a major reason that the Mackay School of Earth Sciences, and the University of Nevada, Reno, has an international “brand name” in the Earth Sciences. By downsizing and reorganising the NBMG, UNR and the State of Nevada will lose more money and resources than they wave in short-term budget cuts. Active researchers will be forced out, taking their research money with them. More will leave as they realize that this organization no longer has critical mass to sustain the overall effort. Young faculty, the future of Earth sciences at UR, are more mobile and will be more likely to move to other institutions as support and resources dwindle. Once lost, this productive organization cannot be reclaimed easily, if at all.” — D. Trexler, Prof. Geology, DGESE, UNR (read the letter).

“Recent hires (in NBMG) have brought in modern Earth scientists (that is, applied physicists with computer skills) who are able to turn out world-class research in such diverse areas as geodesy, earthquake hazards, and lithospheric stress (just to mention those which I am most familiar with). I am therefore distressed to hear of a proposal to radically cut the budget of NBMG and restructure it as part of the university system. There is danger that the best minds might leave for other states, causing a loss in quality and capability proportionately much greater than the savings achieved.” — P. Bird, UCLA; American Geophysical Union Fellow; Geological Society of America Fellow (read the letter).

“My argument for maintaining funding for the bureau is simple: it plays an indispensible role in the Nevada economy, in service to industry and to the protection of both public and private infrastructure... We’re talking about a million dollars that undergirds a billion-dollar, job-rich industry. The Bureau does things that industry just can’t do. It would be hard to send a stronger signal to potential investors that Nevada isn’t being serious about the industry.” — B. Wernicke, Chandler Family Prof. of Geology, Caltech (read the letter).

“The nature of our science is such that these centers of excellence require the kind of collaborative environment provided by the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology.” — P. Segall, Stanford U., American Geophysical Union Fellow (read the letter).

“Nevada has an abundance of minerals and geothermal potential whose exploitation requires the kind of support and knowledge that only NBMG can bring to the table. Recent experience requires that we maintain robust earth science and natural hazard research and development groups, to mitigate the effects of disaster and minimize risk.” — T. Dixon, U. South Florida (read the letter).

“In pursuing our research farther west into Nevada we have profited immensely from the geologic maps and basic geologic information that are provided by many of the Bureau’s published works. “ — M.G. Best, Eric H. Christiansen Professor, Geological Sciences, Brigham Young U., Utah (read the letter).

“The reduction of effectiveness...of this venerated institution would constitute a great blow to the Earth science community and negatively impact the sustainable extraction of resources critical to the economic well-being of Nevada.” — J. Oldow, Head of Geosciences, University of Texas at Dallas (read the letter).

“The money that goes to support the NBMG is money well spent, and is a valuable investment for UNR and for the state of Nevada. The bureau has a long history of conducting cutting edge research that benefits students at UNR (many of whom are directly involved in the research activities of the NBMG) and the state of Nevada, which receives all of the economic upside of the materials produced by the bureau.” — J. Miller, Cal. State U., San Jose (read the letter).

“Nevada stands to annually lose $2 million or more in additional federal grant funding, if NBMG’s State funding is cut by $1.1 million.” — R.L. Parratt, Reno, Nevada (read the letter).

“Merging NBGM staff into the DGSE is not likely to serve Nevada well because the two organizations have such different missions. At this point in history when mineral resources and geological hazards are major concerns to the entire world, Nevada is fortunate to have a strong group of professionals at NBMG.” — S.E. Kesler, Prof. Economic Geology, U. Michigan (read the letter).

Industry Response

“NBMG is arguably the most important supporting agency for one of the most important economic engines in the state, mining and alternative energy sources.” — H. Duerr, Co-owner MinQuest Inc, Nevada Mine Properties; Owner Desert Pacific Exploration Inc. (read the letter).

“The reduction or elimination of the NBMG is out of synch with the growth that mining and energy companies are under-going with the current commodity prices.” — K. Schwartz, Chevron (read the letter).

“The NBMG has provided my companies with unprecedented support in formation that has lead to the discovery of precious metal deposits, as well as industrial minerals and strategic minerals that are vital to our National Security. With the current world-wide competition for critical minerals, the NBMG provides the State with the only current expertise and source for sustaining the state of Nevada, as well as the rest of the United States with vital minerals.” — T. Callicrate, President Consolidated Goldfields Corp., President Mountain Gold Exploration Inc., President Nevada Natural Stone Supply Inc (read the letter).

“NBMG plays a major role in identifying potential major earthquake hazards. Nevada has the highest number of earthquakes behind California in the continguous US. Preparedness for earthquake in Nevada will significantly reduce the number of fatalities and economic loss.” — J. Werle, Chief Geologist, Converse Consultants, Las Vegas, Nevada (read the letter).

“Our activity will result in the direct investment of millions of dollars in the State of Nevada, to explore and hopefully develop commercial oil production. I can state categorically that our current activity in Nevada is a direct result of our interaction with the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG) and the services they have provided to us. The net result is that our “out of state” dollars are now being invested in Nevada, a place where we see upside potential... There is no other place for us to turn to replace the services now provided by this organization; essential services that support our exploration efforts.” — R. Bedard, Managing Partner, EQ Energy LLC (read the letter).

“Natural resource explorers use the expertise of researchers, map and data repository, and publications to aid their investigation of mineral discovery and development of metal, geothermal and petroleum resources of Nevada. As a minerals exploration geologist, I use the NBMG resources in my work to sustain Nevada's mineral sector of the economy.” — F. Zoerner, Consulting Geologist (read the letter).

“I have worked in the Nevada mining industry since 1983, and have realized significant benefits from the services and products provided by NBMG. NBMG-supported mapping led to the discovery of the world-class Carlin gold belt, which since the 1960s has produced over $200 billion in revenues at today’s metal prices... Cutting of NBMG’s budget may seem a logical short term choice to ease the State’s budgetary shortfalls, but will contribute to longer term economic hardship to Nevada.” — R.P. Felder, Felder Geosciences Ltd (read the letter).

“As a regional manager of exploration for a major mining company, I lived and worked in Nevada for over a decade. Much of our exploration was based on the maps, reports, and other data prepared by the fine geologists at NBMG. The NBMG has a long tradition of publishing high-quality, geologic information that is the basis for successful exploration.” — J. Raney, Texas (read the letter).

“The Bureau is the practical tie between research/education and industry in the earth sciences not only for the mining and exploration industry in Nevada, but serves equally well in the realm of geologic hazards (e.g., seismic activity, which Nevada ranks among the top in the U.S. and urban flooding), energy (e.g., geothermal, where Nevada is tops for new resources), and water.” — M. Ressel, Kinross Gold Corp (read the letter).

“I attribute much of my success to the scientific rigor and professional ethics instilled in me during my research assistantship with the NBMG. Few, if any other universities so efficiently bridge the gap between academic study and the real-world application of science.” — R.T. Murphy, Hess Corp (read the letter).

“The Bureau’s scientific and educational work facilitates new geothermal development in Nevada, and significant reductions in NBMG’s efforts will adversely impact the future of geothermal energy in the state. Their research and education efforts have stimulated new exploration and the identification of new geothermal fields, particularly in Nevada.” — P. Thomsen, President, Geothermal Energy Association (read the letter).

“Nevada is a leading gold producer and is America's center of binary cycle geothermal power generation. As you know, these important natural resource developments lead to jobs, technology and tax revenues for Nevada. Natural resource development requires services and data repositories like the NBMG to help guide exploration, reduce risks, share data, and preserve responsible development practices.” — D. Kunz, President of U.S. Geothermal Corp. (read the letter).

Student and ex-Student Response

“As graduate student at UNR, I worked at the NBMG to help put myself through school. I have lived and worked in Nevada for 26 years, and as a geologist, I have made substantial uses of the NBMG’s research and archives. This research is first-rate and is referred to often. Nevada is the top gold producer in the U.S., has the best geothermal potential in the country, and is the third-most seismically active state in the Nation. Eviscerating the Nevada’s geological survey defies all common sense.” — P. Goldstrand, Geologist, Reno, Nevada.

“My education and research would not be possible without the existence of a strong NMBG. I am just one of at least eight Department of Geological Sciences graduate students directly and fully supported by the NBMG.” — Jayne Bormann, graduate student, UNR (read the letter).

“My student peers at the time have all gone on to illustrate that students trained at NBMG pursue successful and varied careers.” — E. Hill, ex-student, and Singapore National Research Foundation Fellow (read the letter).

“It's no understatement that the well-being and safety of Nevada citizens and the potential for Nevada's future economic growth rely in no small measure on the unique set of services that Nevada Bureau of Mines provides.” — J. Caskey, ex-graduate student, Assoc. Prof. Geology, San Francisco State U (read the letter).

“The reputation of the natural sciences programs at UNR will be adversely affected by the proposed budget cuts. I also feel that this would send a message to alumni and other potential donors that the school is no longer committed to investing in the future of Nevada’s well being, has walked away from the university’s roots and looks unfavorably toward one of Nevada’s largest industries, mining.” — K. Katzenstein, ex-student UNR; Geological Engineering, S. Dakota School of Mines & Technology (read the letter).

“I am a Nevadan who wants the best possible future for Nevada. That means more high-paying jobs and more economic diversity. The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology is bringing new business to our state and fostering a new boom in geothermal energy development. Don’t slow Nevada down by cutting the NBMG budget.” — G. Dering, graduate student, UNR (read the letter).

“NBMG serves as a potent research environment for topics concerning the economic development of the State of Nevada. The NBMG has made mining operations in Nevada an economic and academic example for the rest of the world. Furthermore, the NBMG has the incalculable potential for driving Nevada to become a leader in geothermal energy and in the mapping of economic mineral deposits. As a graduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno, I have had the opportunity to personally witness and take part in the effective research taking place at the NBMG.” — K.L Howard, graduate student, UNR; Faculty, Sierra Nevada College; Science and Math Teacher, Silver State Charter Schools (read the letter).

“A budget reduction of greater than 50% will be detrimental to future students within Nevadaʼs educational system as well as impact Nevadaʼs growth. Natural resource development — be it metallic, aggregate, or geothermal in nature-- are key factors in bringing dollars and growth to the state. While the current budget crisis is dire, such a drastic reduction in the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geologyʼs budget serves only to save a dime at the expense of a dollar further down the road.” — R. Anderson, graduate student, UNR (read the letter).

“From my vantage point, I am here because of the NBMG and its work on geothermal energy. By cutting this program in an attempt to fix your fiscal misery, you're losing outside interest in your state and therefore losing revenue. No longer will you get my tuition, rent, food, gas, and shopping money. If you're looking for state-wide growth, virtually cutting the NBMG is barking up the wrong tree.” — J. Edwards, graduate student, UNR (read the letter).

“As a Nevada resident, a fourth year PhD student at UNR, and a graduate research assistant supported by the Nevada Geodetic Laboratory that is housed within the NBMG, I can say first hand that the proposed budget cut will cripple the NBMG’s ability to protect and educate the public about natural disasters including earthquakes and flash floods. These cuts will simultaneously impede economic growth within state by reducing support for research leading to the discovery and development of Nevada’s mineral and geothermal resources. “ — J. Bormann, graduate student, UNR (read the letter).

“The NBMG was vital to preparing me for this career. More importantly I feel that the NBMG and other government programs such as this serve as a vital liaison between the scientific community and citizens of Nevada and the world alike. I feel cutting this tie would be an incredible disservice to society. Where would people go to find maps and information about earthquake preparedness specific to Nevada if the NBMG did not exist?” — M. Muretta, ex-student, field engineer, Pathfinder Corp (read the letter).

Geological Survey Agency Peer-Response

“It may come as a surprise that a number of state geological surveys have in the past experience increases in funding during times of economic hardship because stimulating the basic industries to produce minerals and jobs is one of the quicker ways of stimulating a state’s overall economy.” — J.C. Cobb, President of Association of American State Geologists. (read the letter).

“NBMG scientists have an unparalleled ability to translate their research into societally meaningful results for Nevadans, results that will save lives and money. Loss of this capability would be a monumental mistake. When fingers begin pointing after the next large earthquake in Nevada, please don't allow them to point toward a misplaced decision to gut this fine organization.” — R. Briggs, UNR Ph.D., USGS Golden (read the letter).

“Based on NBMG’s researches, it is estimated that there remain undiscovered mineral deposits valued in the range of $1.2 trillion. The NBMG is one of the great state geological surveys in the nation, and it’s reduction would be a sad, and significant loss to both Nevada and California.” — J.G. Parrish, California State Geologist (read the letter).

“Not only does Nevada have great mineral potential, future intelligent decisions will be required in all areas of land use, hazards assessments, material storage, mineral extraction, water resources, and power generation, decisions that require the kinds of expertise provided by the highly qualified staff at the NBMG.” — E. Anderson, USGS (read the letter).

“State geologic surveys provide a kind of institutional memory to State governments in matters related to geologic resources and hazards. Reduction in funding is, in a sense, dumbing down the collective intelligence of State citizens in matters related to geologic resources and hazards. I urge you to reconsider severe budget reductions to the NBMG and to fund the agency so that it can continue to serve the citizens of Nevada in the professional manner for which it is known.” — J. Spencer, Arizona State Geological Survey (read the letter).

“As a member of the Executive Committee of the Western States Seismic Policy Council, I followed for the past decade the excellent and sustained work on earthquake research and mitigation that NBMG engaged in. They were always in a lead role in the WSSPC technical sessions, and their work was respected by researchers throughout the Intermountain West.” — V. Matthews, State Geologist of Colorado (read the letter).

“Many grant opportunities require matching funds, and the current exemplary achievement of approximately $2 in external funds for every $1 in State money will be in jeopardy.” — J. Raney, Associate Director, Bureau of Economic Geology, Texas (read the letter).

“The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology is one of the shining stars among all 50 state geological surveys. The NBMG at the University of Nevada at Reno and Director Jon Price have set a standard for excellence many state surveys aspire to achieve. Dr. Price was recently asked to testify before the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources because of his status as an internationally recognized expertise in this area. The NBMG is looked upon by many state surveys as a model for serving industries, citizens and government the information needed to advance the state. Dr. Price and the NBMG are nationally and internationally known for their knowledge of minerals and the vital minerals industry essential to America's well being.” — J.C. Cobb, President of Association of American State Geologists (read the letter).

---