§ 7B — State geologist

Section 7B. The chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Amherst in consultation with the secretary of the executive office of environmental affairs and department of geosciences shall appoint a professional geologist to be state geologist. The state geologist shall perform research on the land, mineral, and water resources of the state; coordinate and facilitate research and communication among various agencies, researchers and stakeholders; collect, compile, analyze and preserve data pertaining to the geologic environment; disseminate the findings of such research to the public through maps, reports, and other publications; and, direct the Massachusetts geological survey. The state geologist shall advise all other branches of state and local government, concerning the geologic character of the state and its implications for both economic and scientific needs in conjunction with all existing and future environmental factors relating to the geology of the state. The state geologist shall maintain liaison with federal and other state geological surveys, and academic institutions. The state geologist shall have a term limit of 5 years at which time the appointment can be reviewed, revoked or renewed.