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Panel approves bill to replace Arkansas Geological Survey with Office of the State Geologist
Summary
Committee approved SB433 to abolish the Arkansas Geological Survey, create an Office of the State Geologist and transfer duties; agency officials said staff and the state geologist will remain while an advisory seven‑member commission would be removed.
The Senate committee voted to advance SB433, a bill that abolishes the Arkansas Geological Survey and establishes an Office of the State Geologist.
Sponsor Sen. Missy Irvin described the measure as a technical reorganization. Lawrence Van Gogh, director of the Oil and Gas Commission and chief administrator for energy programs, told senators the principal change is the elimination of a seven‑member advisory commission while retaining departmental staff and the state geologist. Van Gogh said the commission historically served an advisory role and the secretary of energy and departmental staff will continue to provide the necessary oversight.
Committee members asked whether the change had generated opposition; sponsors said no formal opposition was known in the committee. The committee moved, seconded and approved the bill by a voice vote.
What happens next: SB433 will continue through the legislative process with committee approval.
