In 1909, the Bureau of Economic Geology (Bureau) was created with the mission to increase the understanding of geology and geological resources, and stimulate the economy in Texas. In 2024, the Bureau has two roles: one as a research organization that conducts translational and applied research on geosciences that have global reach and impact, and one as the State Geological Survey of Texas continuing its Texas-focused mission. These are synergistic, additive roles that foster broad impact on the geosciences, and at home, here in Texas, serve Texas stakeholders by providing information and insights on Texas geology and resources. With respect to its role as the State Geological Survey of Texas, it is essential that the Bureau stays in tune with the needs of the State, and produces reports and products that are accessible to, and digestible by, a range of stakeholders in Texas. The Bureau’s dual role is an “AND” not an “OR”.

In 2024, the Directorate at the Bureau recognized that, given the spectrum of important resource related topics with potential impact on Texas, the Bureau needed to reaffirm our mission and obligation to the State of Texas. Hence, we initiated a series of project-based studies under the umbrella of “The Texas Imperative” with the goals of conducting research on key resources that in our view merited a new look, and providing reports of these studies in readily accessible and digestible formats.

The Texas Imperative comprises a series of separate, project-based resource studies: 1) Water—with a focus on drought in Central Texas; 2) Mineral resources in Texas including updates on critical minerals and industrial materials (aggregates); 3) Helium and native hydrogen gases; and 4) Geothermal energy for heat and power. By design, these studies complement ongoing programmatic research at the Bureau, and, also by design, are intended to translate state-of-the-art science to broadly inform the public and stakeholders.

Indeed, one of the mantras guiding The Texas Imperative is that the research on Texas resources is too valuable to be limited to the scientific community and academia. The intent is that these studies, and their reports and derivative information, will help to inform a wide range of stakeholders here in the great State of Texas.

The Texas Imperative has created a buzz of enthusiasm within the Bureau. Because these studies include hydrology, geophysics, geology, engineering, and the economic discipline, and extend across existing programs, there is broad participation and engagement across the Bureau. Perhaps more importantly, Bureau researchers and staff care about Texas, and appreciate the value of Texas’ natural resources to the Texas economy and the importance of well-informed management of these resources and the environment.

Mark W. Shuster, Interim Director