On February 28, 2023, Nevada state geologist Jim Faulds was in Washington, D.C. to present an award to Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto on behalf of the Association of American State Geologists (AASG).

Faulds, who serves as president of the AASG, is a professor in the Mackay School and is the Director of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG), Nevada’s state geological survey. AASG is an organization of the chief executives of the state geological surveys in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The responsibilities of the various state surveys differ from state to state, depending upon the enabling legislation and the traditions under which the survey evolved. Almost all, including NBMG, function as a basic information source for the geologic framework, natural resources and geologic hazards of their respective states.

Senator Cortez Masto was the 2023 recipient of the Pick and Gavel award, given to a distinguished friend of geology, typically a Senator, Representative, Presidential Appointee, or a particularly distinguished and accomplished friend of AASG, according to the AASG website. Faulds nominated Senator Cortez Masto for the award based on the legislation that she has sponsored or co-sponsored, along with the committees on which she serves, which reflect upon her dedication to addressing the nation’s energy and mineral resource needs and responsible use of our public lands.

“Her sponsored legislation is broad, ranging from water, mineral, and energy resources, tribal lands, science, business, and geoscience,” Faulds said. “She has been a strong supporter of scientifically informed public policy and the geosciences in general, and thus exemplifies the traits embodied in the recipients of this award.”

Kyle Chapman, Senior Policy Advisor to Senator Cortez Masto, received the award on her behalf, as she was unable to attend the Pick and Gavel Banquet in Washington, D.C.  He conveyed the following statement from the Senator:

“As a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I have worked to pass legislation to fund clean energy projects, create a sustainable critical mineral supply chain, and promote Nevada’s mining and battery industries, all while combating climate change. I’m honored to receive the Pick and Gavel award, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Association of American State Geologists to build a clean energy future.”

Faulds was later able to meet with and present Senator Cortez Masto with the award in her office.

The Pick and Gavel Award consists of a mounted mineral, fossil, or rock, with a symbol that includes a geologist's pick, a policymaker's gavel, and the Capitol, where geologists and policymakers work together to respond to the needs of the nation. The award is unique to each recipient. The award given to Senator Cortez Masto had a piece of barite from a mine near Elko mounted onto a base with a plaque.

“It was truly an honor to present the 2023 Pick and Gavel Award to Senator Cortez Masto,” Faulds said. “The state geological surveys that AASG represents, in partnership with other state and federal agencies, continue to be leaders in applied geology for the public good. However, we could not fulfill our collective mission without the support of the U.S. Congress, our State Governments, and individuals such as Senator Cortez Masto who provide enthusiastic support of geoscience, the environment, and scientifically informed public policy.”

Senator Cortez Masto shared photos of her meeting with Faulds over Twitter, adding, “As we continue to build our clean energy future, geoscientists and geologists will be critical to our work to develop our natural resources responsibly while protecting the environment.”