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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The Bureau of Economic Geology at The University of |
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Texas at Austin, the oldest research unit at the school, is |
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celebrating its centennial in 2009; and |
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WHEREAS, Established by The University of Texas Board of |
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Regents in 1909, the bureau is now part of the John A. and Katherine |
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G. Jackson School of Geosciences; members of the bureau staff |
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contribute to the state and to the advancement of science through |
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the undertaking of basic and applied research related to energy and |
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mineral resources, water resources, coastal processes, and |
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environmental issues; in addition, the staff provides a wide range |
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of advisory and technical services to industries, nonprofit |
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organizations, and local, state, and federal government agencies; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Since its inception, the bureau has performed State |
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Geological Survey functions as requested by the Texas Legislature, |
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providing the geoscience information needed for the crafting of |
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state energy and other policies; and |
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WHEREAS, Bureau staff also conduct research for various |
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industry partners who lease mineral rights from the state, |
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including independent operators responsible for most of the oil and |
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gas production in Texas, and such initiatives create enhanced |
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royalty income and severance tax revenue; and |
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WHEREAS, Along with its service to elected officials, |
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government employees, and individuals in private industry, the |
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bureau provides outstanding educational opportunities for |
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undergraduate and graduate students, supports science fairs and |
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other programs oriented toward elementary and secondary students, |
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fosters the professional development of teachers, and promotes |
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professional education through its staff's engagement in symposia, |
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conferences, and the like; and |
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WHEREAS, A major research institution, the bureau maintains |
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the largest volume of subsurface core samples in the country, while |
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its publications program has produced hundreds of maps, reports, |
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and other publications; and |
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WHEREAS, Standing on the threshold of its second century, the |
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Bureau of Economic Geology is committed to addressing the issues of |
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energy, water, and the environment--three fundamental challenges |
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that are confronting Texas and the rest of the world; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate the 100th anniversary of the |
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founding of the Bureau of Economic Geology and extend to its staff |
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sincere best wishes for continued success in all their endeavors; |
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and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the bureau as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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House of Representatives. |