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AAPG
DELEGATES NEWSLETTER

Newsletter of the House of Delegates

Volume 2, Number 4 ­ June 1998

Editor: Jeff Greenawalt

Keystone Oil & Gas, Inc., One Williamsburg Place, Ste. 110, Warrendale, PA 15086, Phone (724) 934-4100 Ext. 112 and Fax (724) 934-2219

In this issue:

The Delegates Newsletter provides a forum to exchange and discuss ideas, issues and concerns of the membership. This month presents discussion on issues voted upon at the Salt Lake City Annual HOD Meeting, year end reports from the DPA, EMD and DEG Divisions and an introduction of the new HOD officers for 1998-1999. Editor

A REPORT FROM THE SALT LAKE CITY HOD ANNUAL MEETING RETURN TO TOP

By Jeff Greenawalt, Secretary-Editor

The Salt Lake City meeting was characterized by a diverse agenda. It was a successful and energetic meeting with excellent dialogue and discussion resulting in forward progress on several important issues.

The new HOD officers for 1998-1999 are Tom Mairs, Chairman, John Hogg, Chairman-elect, and Jean Lemmon, Secretary-Editor. I know they are anxious to begin their year and the HOD will benefit greatly from their leadership and direction. Pete Rose and Valary Schulz were opposing candidates and I wish to thank them for their desire to serve.

Chairman Dan Smith has documented specific items discussed and voted upon at the meeting in the following "Chair Notes" and "What's Next" articles for your review.

The Newsletter Committee, with this issue, published four newsletters in 1997-98. I would like to thank Committee Members: Mel Erskine, Pat Gratton, Valary Schulz, Deborah Sacrey, Jim Mullarkey and also the delegates who contributed various articles. I appreciated the support and willingness to contribute. The Newsletter was designed to provide a forum for discussion and communication and I feel we accomplished that goal. I would like to thank Larry Nation and his staff at AAPG headquarters for making the Newsletter available on the AAPG website. I extend my sincere appreciation to Donna Riggs and her staff for the timely publication and mailing of our Newsletter. Your service and supportive spirit are invaluable. I also would like to thank Regina Gill for transcribing the minutes from the annual meeting.

To finish my term as HOD Secretary-Editor, I would like to thank the delegates for allowing me this opportunity to serve the HOD, to learn and to grow.

CHAIR NOTES RETURN TO TOP

By Dan L. Smith, Chairman

Well, I have mixed feelings. Is it "Ye-Haw" or "Darn!"? Here we are at the end of the AAPG year. It has been a tough one for the House of Delegates, but on the other hand, in many ways I regret that it is over. By the time you receive this newsletter, Tom Mairs will be your Chairman and the new Executive Committee will have already had its first meeting.

Where do we go from here? There is a saying: "Things turn out the best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out". I have summarized the results of the Salt Lake City Annual Meeting in a separate column in this newsletter. The best news is that the "Blue Ribbon" Committee on Constitutionality and Bylaw Amendment Process has answered the charge sooner than expected with all 12 members endorsing the recommendations to the Executive Committee. Here they are:

1. Interpretation of Legality-"Legality" as set out in Section 2, Article XIV of the Bylaws should be interpreted literally. The Executive Committee's determination of Legality for proposed Bylaw Amendments should be "limited to the mechanical process as outlined in the Bylaws." It should not include "a broader responsibility which includes a consideration of the intent, purposes and spirit of the Association and all of its governing documents." (Quote from COCBAP charge.)

2. Procedural Changes-The following recommendations are designed to a) improve communication about proposed Constitution and Bylaw amendments ("amendments"), and b) potentially cause amendments to be in more of a consensus form before they are debated and voted upon in the HOD.

A. Require opinions from AC, EC and HOD on resolutions for amendments. Opinions must be submitted by September 30 of each year to the Constitution and Bylaw Committee of HOD in order to be considered by the HOD at the Annual Meeting. An opinion is not necessary from the body which originated resolution for amendment, but submission of the rationale leading to the resolution would be in order and helpful. (Example: If a resolution for amendment came from EC, EC would not submit an opinion, but AC and HOD could submit an opinion.) Envisioned choices for opinion include 1) no opinion, 2) recommend passage, 3) recommend passage with specified changes, and 4) recommend defeat.

B. HOD should publish all resolutions for amendments, which have passed the HOD, within 30 days of conclusion of HOD meeting. Suggested means of publication include: delegate newsletter, notification to EC and AC, notice to International Liaison Committee, and any other group identified as affected by proposed amendment.

C. Constitution and Bylaw Committee of HOD shall consult with other interested groups during preparation of wording on proposed amendments. Interested groups must submit views by October 30. If alternate views are identified, Constitution and Bylaw Committee shall publish such views with proposed amendments. Interested groups must submit views by October 30. If alternate views are identified, Constitution and Bylaw Committee shall publish such views with proposed amendment.

3. Constitutional Amendment-The EC should pass a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment. The proposed amendment would prevent any one body (AC, EC, or HOD) from proposing amendments which would "alter the composition, manner of selection, the terms of office, the specific duties, responsibilities, and other matters relevant to such bodies and officers" without the consent of the affected body. This resolution for amendment should be submitted to HOD, and if passed by a majority vote, it would be submitted to entire membership for vote.

The Chairman of the Committee, Lee Billingsley, reported that the committee members represented a broad spectrum of views on interpretation of "legality". Members were divided on support of the suggested constitutional amendment, but were unanimous in support for the concept that the membership should decide on the merits of the amendment. Remember, a bylaws amendment requires two thirds (2/3) approval by the House of Delegates, whereas a constitutional amendment requires two thirds (2/3) approval of the entire AAPG membership.

Lee Billingsley stated that a unanimous consensus report would not have been achieved without accepting all three of the main parts. Specifically, a literal interpretation of "legality" would not have been acceptable to the entire committee without the opportunity to have an open debate and election on the proposed constitutional amendment.

My recommendation to the new Executive Committee is to approve the report as soon as possible, hopefully at the scheduled August 14, 1998 Committee meeting, and proceed immediately to affirm the legality of the numerous bylaw amendments which have been on hold since March 1. Those amendments can then be voted on at the 1999 HOD Annual Meeting in San Antonio.

As to the second recommendation listed above, the Committee felt that the current amendment process lacked some important opportunities for better communication in regard to proposed changes. In hindsight, I believe that some of the problems stemming from the resolution approved at the 1997 Dallas Meeting, regarding domestic and international representation within AAPG, may have been avoided by better communications among the HOD, Executive Committee, Advisory Council and past Presidents.

Another problem regarding the proposed amendments revolves around the ability of AAPG to deal with change. Our industry has been changing significantly in recent years. Some have been rapid, others more slowly. AAPG must recognize change and adjust accordingly. It reminds me of a frog story. A frog was dropped into a pan of hot water. The frog immediately reacted to the heat by jumping out of the pan. Another frog was put into a pan of cold water on a stove. The burner beneath the pan was turned on low, then the heat was gradually increased so the temperature of the water rose only a degree at a time. Change was occurring, but because it was gradual, the frog accepted it and stayed in the pan and was boiled.

We are all in the same pan. We react immediately to dramatic change, but we run the risk of getting cooked if we fail to notice the little, slow changes occurring around us.

If the Executive Committee approves the third recommendation for a constitutional amendment, the proposal will become a resolution to be processed in accordance with Article VII of the Constitution. This involves processing by the HOD Constitution and Bylaws Committee, determination of legality by the Executive Committee, publication at least two (2) months prior to the HOD annual meeting, approval by simple majority vote of the House of Delegates, and then two thirds (2/3) favorable vote by the entire membership. "Whew!"

I wish to convey to all of you how much I have enjoyed being your Chairman. Working with my fellow officers, Tom Mairs and Jeff Greenawalt, has been a great experience. Both were productive and strong as they always performed beyond the call of duty. We are working with the new officers, Tom Mairs, John Hogg and Jean Lemmon to make the transition as seamless as possible. I am committed to making their year the "best ever" for the Association.

Also, I want to thank Donna Riggs at Headquarters for keeping us all on track, and Regina Gill for stepping in and doing a superb job her first year. It was great to work with Michelle Mayfield and her convention staff.

Finally, I am deeply appreciative of the over 80 people who worked on the Committees. You were very supportive and I thank you very much. My highest regards to all of you. The fun goes on. . .

ALMOST A QUARTER CENTURY AGO RETURN TO TOP
MAIL VOTING PROPOSAL WITHDRAWN!
BUT ROLL CALL ELIMINATED!

At the 1974 meeting in San Antonio a resolution to allow voting by mail on all matters except Constitution and Bylaws was approved 51 to 46. This proposal was referred to the Executive Committee for a legal opinion.

Counsel advised "that it was not traditional for a legislative body such as the House of Delegates to conduct business by mail".

Accordingly, at the 1975 meeting of the House in Dallas, HOD Chair Hugh N. Frenzel recommended that that advice be accepted. The House then voted to take no action on the mail ballot issue, allowing the proposal to die (there were only four dissenting votes).

However, there was some good news in the continuing effort to streamline HOD business. In the same 1975 session Delegates approved new Rules which included eliminating the roll call.

derived by Patrick J.F. Gratton from the House of Delegates History 1970-1975,
George R. Gibson and Herbert G. Davis, compilers/editors

MESSAGES FROM THE NEWLY ELECTED HOD OFFICERS RETURN TO TOP

By Chairman, Tom Mairs

The 1997-98 AAPG fiscal year was definitely a year to remember and has certainly gone by at a rapid pace. I was very fortunate to have served as the first Chairman Elect of the HOD, and to have been well tutored by past chairmen, Dan Smith, Pat Gratton and Ed Heath, in the many facets of the HOD's Chairmanship. It was a pleasure to have worked with Dan and Jeff Greenawalt, both of whom are to be greatly commended for their multiple contributions to the HOD.

I am eagerly looking forward to the coming year and representing the HOD in our business affairs and on the Executive Committee. John Hogg, Jean Lemmon and I are committed to constructive improvement, during our brief tenure, and will be actively soliciting your ideas and concerns. COMMUNICATION among the HOD members and the many AAPG entities is our buzz word for success, so let us hear from you. During the next several weeks, I will be restructuring the many standing and ad hoc committees; consequently, should you desire to become more active in the HOD's affairs, contact me (preferably by letter) as to your special areas of interest.

I am looking forward to meeting you at the many sectional and local meetings, and will welcome your comments or ideas regarding any issue pertinent to the HOD and our professional organization. Contact me by phone at (214) 265-9533, fax (214) 692-9622 or email.

By Chairman-Elect, John Hogg

As the 1998-99 Chairman-Elect of the House of Delegates, I would first like to thank everyone for their support in Salt Lake City. I would also like to thank my most honorable opponent, Dr. Peter Rose, for his kind words. I am very much looking forward to the upcoming year and working with our new Chairman Tom Mairs and my long time friend, Jean Lemmon, as one of your elected representatives.

Please feel free to contact any of us if you have concerns or issues that you personally feel are important to the activities of the House in the upcoming year.

By Secretary/Editor, Jean R. Lemmon

Communication continues to be critical to the House of Delegates and our ability to function. I plan to continue the Newsletter following in the footsteps of those who have gone before. I also hope to establish a way for us to communicate electronically and have begun looking into ways to use the AAPG website creatively as well as send out timely information in email messages over the internet.

  • Please contact me with your suggestions. I'll need some help.
  • Please be sure AAPG Headquarters has your current email address.

You can reach me at: contact Jean Lemmon.

AAPG DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENCES YEAR END REPORT RETURN TO TOP

by Susan Chandler Kiser, DEG President, 1997-1998

The Division of Environmental Geosciences had an exciting year of changes and membership growth during my term as President, 1997-1998.

Membership:

Our membership, as of June 15, 1998 stands at 3,260 members, a 10% increase from the levels one year ago. The biggest increase was in student membership. We experienced a 25% increase in student membership who have chosen to affiliate with the DEG.

Financial Report:

In addition to dues from members, the DEG receives $20,000 each year from Blackwell Science Publishers for the editorial services provided for manuscript solicitation and review of our journal, Environmental Geosciences. Financially, the Division has grown to a level where future programs can be developed from this income. Approximately $100,000 in savings has accrued and the DEG Executive Committee approved an investment program for any income over $50,000 to increase our financial security for the future.

Member Benefits:

The 1997-1998 DEG officers were very committed to increasing member benefits.

  • The DEG Executive Committee effectively lowered the dues and the cost of the journal by 24% by combining them in the dues statement.
  • Effective in the Fall 1998, every DEG member will receive a subscription to the quarterly journal, Environmental Geosciences, as part of their member benefits.
  • Also beginning in the Fall of 1998, the Reporter will be moved into the Explorer where it will reach all 30,000+ AAPG members. The DEG anticipates that this will become a dominant platform for outreach to AAPG members as well as providing a more cost-effective distribution of information to DEG members.
  • A DEG grant program has been established which will allow affiliated societies to apply for reimbursement of costs up to $300 that are incurred when the environmental speaker from the slate of AAPG Distinguished Lecturer Program is invited to speak to a local society.
  • DEG is financially supporting a DEG sponsored conference to be held in Taos, New Mexico in October 1998, titled, "Meeting Society's Resource and Environmental Requirements for the 21st Century."
  • A DEG conference is proposed for the Fall of 1999 on coastal wetlands and the petroleum industry. Shea Penland, DEG member at the University of New Orleans, is the Conference Chair. For more information and to volunteer to be a part of the organizing committee contact Shea at [504] 280-3119, email: spenland<at>uno.edu.
  • A climate change technical session on the geologic time/temperature record with invited papers is proposed for the 1999 Annual Meeting to be held in San Antonio, Texas and a possible Hedberg Conference in 2000 is in the early stages of planning. For more information and to volunteer to be a part of the organizing committee contact Bill Harrison at [785] 864-5317, email: harrison<at>kgs.ukans.edu.
  • The DEG has strengthened its involvement in AAPG Committees that directly benefit the DEG mission. If you would like to volunteer to be a DEG liaison to an AAPG Committee, contact Bill Murray, the DEG President at [215] 619-4103, email wgmurra<at>wcc.com.

DIVISION OF PROFESSIONAL AFFAIRS YEAR END REPORT RETURN TO TOP

by Robert T. Sellars, Jr., President

During the 1997-1998 year the Division of Professional Affairs has continued as in past years to expand its mission in the promotion of the development of professionalism in the practice of petroleum geology. The highlights of the DPA activities are:

  1. In July 1997, the DPA co-sponsored with GSA, AAPG, AIPG and USGS the Conference on Ethics in the Geosciences. This conference brought together leaders from throughout the geological profession in a five day discussion on the status of ethics in professional practice. This dialogue produced a commonality in the need for increased awareness of ethical behavior. This was expressed through a list of values and virtues which should be common to all geologists and their practice and provide the core for strengthening and building Codes of Ethics for the member societies of the AGI.
         In September of 1997, the DPA and the AAPG House of Delegates formed the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Ethics (JACE). This committee, organized as a follow-up to the Ethics Conference, had a number of charges but the major purpose was to address the methods by which the awareness of geoscientists could be raised regarding ethical standards in the conduct of business. The committee will submit a report on June 30th, but its work will continue into the 1998-1999 year.
  2. In the spring of 1997, the DPA began a widespread membership campaign. This should result in a net increase of approximately 100 members, thus stopping the slide in membership of the last few years.
         A lengthy discussion was held at the Advisory Board meeting in Salt Lake City regarding the Board of Certification review procedures and the definition of petroleum geologist in light of the work environment of today. Action on these issues where tabled until the mid-year meeting.
  3. The DPA continued to expand the role of the Governmental Affairs Committee with the second annual GAC Forum at the annual meeting and the formation of the Governmental Liaison Subcommittee. The latter will be involved in developing position papers on issues which impact the petroleum geologist. On approval of the AAPG, these will serve to advance the Association's official positions on these issues.
  4. The DPA will finish the year in sound financial condition. Through the third quarter the net gain is $39,000 and year end cash balance will be approximately $400,000. Changes in AAPG overhead charges have effected an increase in these figures through the third quarter.
         New Advisory Board members will be James B. Bennett, Lee T. Billingsley, Dan J. Tearpock (Gulf Coast), Clyde F. Wootton (Mid-Continent) and Brian K. Powers (Southwest).
          The 1998-1999 DPA Executive Committee will be Stephen A. Sonnenberg, President; Richard G. Green, Vice-President; Robert W. Sabaté, President-Elect; Charles E. Mear, Secretary; Debra Rutan, Treasurer; and, Robert T. Sellars, Jr., Past-President.

The DPA will continue a concerted effort to bring AAPG members into certified status; to take a leadership role in the promotion and enhancement of ethical standards and professional business conduct; and continue to develop ways to increase benefits to DPA members.

ENERGY MINERALS DIVISION YEAR END REPORT RETURN TO TOP

by Margaret Anne Rogers, President 1997-1998

In looking toward the 21st Century, we reflect on the numbers of AAPG members and other geoscience professionals who have been involved and still retain interests in alternative energy sources. We note the very large resource of heavy oil (tar sands and oil shale) and of gas (coalbed methane, gas hydrates and gas shales). We anticipate the fast approaching time when these resources become the supplemental reserves for steadily increasing hydrocarbon demand worldwide. Coal today is very prominent in electric power generation and should continue so well into the next century. New technology will certainly ameliorate environmental concerns over the increasing use of hydrocarbons. Remote sensing is a part of the new technology. In the transition period, as more environmentally friendly technical advances develop, we anticipate a renewed interest in geothermal and nuclear energy. EMD is doing its part in making this future a continuing place for AAPG and its members to contribute.

EMD celebrated its 20th Anniversary with an outstanding year. Activities included:

  • A comprehensive Bylaws revision
  • Compilation of a Procedures Manual
  • An EMD website, emd.aapg.org
  • An all new color brochure
  • Two new symposia in the planning stage-a DPA/EMD/EPRI-GRI on fuel marker effects of electric industry restructuring is scheduled for 1999 and an EMD technical fields "full cycle" is planned for 2000.
  • EMD sponsorship of the Australian "International Conference on Coal Seam Gas & Oil"
  • EMD support for the AGI's National Hard Rock Mining Environmental Research Initiative
  • EMD presence at the 1998 Geothermal Resources Council meeting
  • An Association first, the first CD-ROM publication with no previous hardcopy version, The Atlas of Coal Geology, Volume 1 (Coal Geology) and Volume II (Coal Petrology) [Produced jointly with Society for Organic Petrology]
  • An EMD proposal for an AAPG special publication on coalbed methane
  • Four articles in the Explorer: Alternate Fuels Need Spotlight; Coalbed Methane Makes Comeback; Global Energy Demand: Will Fuel Future Development; Electricity Fuel Picture Changing: Economics, Technology Make Impacts; and 20th Anniversary of EMD: II Story
  • An EMD short course, "Geologic and Hydrologic Controls Critical to Coalbed Methane Production and Resource Assessment-The United States Experience: Analogy Useful for Australian Coal Resins"
  • An EMD short course on subsidence in the planning stage
  • An EMD advertising policy to maximize the gain from such expenditures. The Division buys quality items that people would desire, keep, use/display thus providing EMD with years of advertising-promoting EMD name recognition and associating the EMD name with quality.

I am extremely proud of the Division's accomplishments this year. It has been a pleasure to work with such a fine EMD leadership team.

WHAT'S NEXT? RETURN TO TOP

By Dan L. Smith

The following is a review of the actions taken at the May 17, 1998, HOD Annual Meeting. The 95 affiliated societies of the AAPG were represented by 193 delegates present (each society is entitled to one delegate per 70 AAPG members).

A proposed amendment to modify Article 1, Section 3 of the Bylaws, broadening the definition of Active Membership, from the practice of teaching of "Geology" to "Geoscience" was defeated 108 to 80. A two thirds vote in favor was required for passage.

Delegates approved two resolutions proposing changes to the Bylaws which will proceed through the normal process for consideration by the House at the 1999 meeting in San Antonio. This procedure involves handling by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, determination of legality by the Executive Committee and proper advertisement in the Explorer.

  • The first is a proposal to eliminate the "Junior" category of membership in AAPG after a period of five (5) years from the adoption of this resolution at which time remaining Junior Members will be automatically transferred to Associate Membership. Persons applying, who have completed their academic requirements but not their experience requirements, will automatically become Associate Members until the time that they have satisfied their experience requirements and are eligible to apply for Active Membership. These persons would pay half the cost of Active Membership for not more than four (4) years.
  • The second proposal is to amend Article XI, Section 8, which deals with Grievance Proceedings, to make it possible to expel a member who pleads guilty to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or of any felony. At present, Section 8 provides that a member may be expelled only if convicted in a court of law.
         The House voted unanimously to approve four recommendations of the Future of Earth Scientists Committee and forward them to The Executive Committee for action. They are as follows:
  • Recommendation to form a new Standing Committee of AAPG to be called "Academic and Industry Liaison Committee". Members should be selected from industry and academia that will report yearly on the requirements of future graduating students entering the workforce.
  • Recommend a review of the new graduate training program available through the Continuing Education Committee, and modify it to include courses, at reasonable prices, for the development of the younger members of the Association.
  • Recommend the initiation of an educational program related to business skills, professionalism, and ethics which includes courses at reasonable prices.
  • Recommend the initiation of a new AAPG homepage oriented towards the public teachers and children to explain the Earth Sciences in their daily lives.

The House voted to adopt various recommendations from the Joint Ad Hoc Ethics Committee and submit them to the Executive Committee for endorsement. These include a list of core values, which define the goals of the profession, and a list of virtues, which define the ideals of the professional geoscientist. The details were reported in the previous newsletter.

Delegates voted to establish four awards for the HOD leaders. These include: House Certificate of Merit, House Long Service Award, Distinguished Member of the House, and Honorary Member of the House. The proposal has been forwarded to the Rules and Procedures Committee for further action and implementation. The first awards are slated for presentation at the annual meeting in the year 2000.

Three geological organizations were approved for affiliation with AAPG as follows: Professional Geologists of Indiana, Geological Society of India, and the Moroccan Association of Petroleum Geologists.

A proposal was submitted by the AAPG Membership Committee to amend the Bylaws to eliminate the three sponsor requirement for Active Membership and to allow for a combination of AAPG Active Member and Non-Active Member references. This was soundly defeated and returned to committee for further consideration.

Delegates approved a proposal that the Rules and Procedures Committee considered revising the meeting procedures to require submission of all reports in writing prior to the House meeting and distribution of such reports to the delegates no later than two weeks prior to the meeting.

Unanimous approval was given to honor Linda Farrar, who served the House of Delegates for 12 years, with a Letter of Appreciation from the Chairman of the House.

John R. Hogg, Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists, was elected Chairman-Elect (1998-99) and thereafter Chairman (1999-2000) of the HOD, and Jean R. Lemmon, Tulsa Geological Society, was elected Secretary/Editor (1998-99).

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