Divisions
Energy Minerals Division
As President of the Energy Minerals Division, and living in an unconventional and alternative energy world, EMD will build upon the efforts of previous Executive Committees, knowing where we have been, where we are, and where we wish to go. As you may recall, the last year brought about the elimination of EMD dues, increased membership benefits, increased quality and quantity of technical information, significant changes in our Bylaws, and enhanced efforts to engage AAPG members to participate in AAPG and EMD activities.
With many of our colleagues talking about unconventional becoming conventional, and a 160% increase in overall EMD membership, the challenge facing EMD will be how best to communicate with professional and student members, and provide the services and technical information that will serve our members well in the future. With that, we have initiated efforts to include Geosciences Technology Workshops (GTWs) as a fundamental element of EMD technical programs, be more proactive in the planning and development of the International Convention and Exhibition (ICEs), and continue to maintain and enhance a strong technical publication program. EMD also is being proactive in encouraging and developing partnerships with AAPG, DPA and DEG as interest in unconventional and alternatives energy resources increases.
Realizing that media and outreach venues are rapidly changing, much is discussed these days about public outreach. Should public outreach also be a meaningful objective, then how we communicate with the public and other stakeholders presents its own challenges. Thus, EMD’s Executive Committee will need to grapple with how, and via what mechanisms and venues, we communicate with our professional colleagues and students, and the public and other stakeholders as well.
Why become involved in EMD? The answer is simple – unconventional and alternative energy resources are relevant and will continue to play an increasing role in the development of a national, and international, energy resource strategy.
What AAPG Means to Me
Being a member of AAPG since the late 1970s, a founding member of DEG, and longstanding member of EMD, many changes have occurred within the energy resources landscape. Two things stand out: one is that what was once unconventional is now looked upon as conventional (i.e., gas shales), and second, in the “Age of Green Energy,” environmental issues and concerns drive policy, and policy drives technology – regardless of the merits and level of reasonableness. AAPG and its Divisions are relevant in today’s energy landscape, and as the 2011-12 EMD President, I welcome the challenge before us in this exciting and evolving energy world in which we are all a part.