The USGS has fought for its budgetary existence for its entire existence. Except for a small grant, I've never worked directly for the USGS, but I couldn't imagine doing my job without the services they have provided over their history.
There are several maps and a couple of professional papers that directly affect a project I'm working on right now. Some of them were available online, all of them at the University Library. If the company that is paying me had to pay me to re-create all of that from scratch, well, I don't think it would be economic. Many geologic commodities are stratigic materials. Simply knowing where these commodities might be is valuable information to both the private and public sectors.
Basically, the USGS helps my business on a daily basis.
Many state geologic surveys have been gutted and the USGS office in Denver has seen several big layoffs. Geologic Surveys are often the first on the chopping block. Why? People don't understand how important geology is to their daily lives and the economy of this country.
(Yeah, I'm biased: their budget should be doubled!)
Current Events » in reply to What is with you guys and the USGS?
YEAH !
The whole thread (39 posts)
- Heritage reams Bush on spending
- Just fold Social Security in with the income tax
- What is with you guys and the USGS?
- YEAH !
- To "green" for the repugs. You expect them to support things like water quality testing near industrial donors? (n/t)
- It could work if
- Suprisingly, I pretty much agree with you.