Virginia Geologist Workgroup

Successful update from the 2025 Virginia Legislative Session:

Virginia Geologists Workgroup (VGW) and AEG's lobbyist worked to write a new bill for the 2025 session which established a license for geologists in Virginia (versus the existing certification program) and makes practice of geology without licensure a misdemeanor. This bill was passed with a bipartisan vote and on May 2, 2025, the Governor signed House Bill 1835 establishing mandatory licensure of Geologists in Virginia, effective July 1, 2025.

The Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetlands Specialists, and Geologists meets on May 14, 2025, to begin discussions on the implementation of the new law. At this time, we have reached out to the Board and their staff liaison to see if public participation will be sought and if so, how we can participate.

We could not have achieved this goal without the support of the Virginia Geologists Workgroup, as well as donations from professionals and companies within the Commonwealth of Virginia and generous matching from AEG's Licensure fund. Thank you!

We have more work to do. We need to clean up the Virginia Code to revise the text to reflect the newly created license (versus certification), and have our services listed as “Professional Services”. VGW is working collaboratively with the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) and their lobbyist to craft language for the 2026 General Assembly, stay tuned!!

The VGW is honored to continue our partnership with AEG in our mutual desire to strengthen the geology profession in Virginia. We seek to introduce additional bills in the 2026 Virginia General Assembly. It is our goal to elevate the Geology Profession to a similar level of importance and need as those professionals currently practicing Engineering, Architecture, and Land Surveying within the Commonwealth.

Geology Bills in Virginia - 2023 Update