Introduction
Legislation creating the Conservation and Survey Division (April 14, 1921)
Senate File No. 296
Introduced by Senator J. W. Good
AN ACT to create the Conservation and Survey Division of the University of Nebraska, define the duties thereof and to repeal Chapter 226 of the Session Laws of Nebraska for 1919, and that part of Section No. 7123 of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska for 1913 which relates to the appointment of State Geologist.
Be in Enacted by the People of the State of Nebraska:
Section 1: Conservation division created
There is hereby created the Conservation and Survey Division of the University of Nebraska which shall include the following state surveys: Soil, Geological, Water and Water Power, Forest, Road Materials and Industrial. The Conservation and Survey Division shall perform the duties hereinafter defined:
(a) Survey and describe the natural resources of the state, including soil, water, waterpower, potash, forests, road materials and cement.
(b) Study the climate, physical features, geology and mineral resources of the state.
(c) Study and describe the operations, production and importance of the leading industries of the state.
(d) Investigate and report upon conservation problems of the state.
(e) Study the water bearing formations of the state and assist the citizens in locating water supplies.
(f) Appoint a member of the division State Forester to assist in developing the forest resources and parks of the state.
(g) Secure and preserve the logs of wells drilled in the state and preserve specimens from each stratum, member or formation penetrated in said drillings and inspect such drillings at any time during their progress and require the person or persons in charge of drilling or prospecting to submit full data in regard to the specimens and logs of the wells.
(h) Prepare and show lantern slides or pictures, including motion picture, of the state's resources, industries, institutions and development to be used for educational and industrial purposes within the state and for publicity purposes without the state, and secure and distribute other educational films and slides in Nebraska for educational purposes.
(i) Compile and record or publish information with reference to the state's resources, industries and development, and when called upon so to do by an interested party, investigate and report upon foreign realty sold or offered for sale in Nebraska and investigate and report upon oil, mineral and gas structures and properties situated outside the state, leases or interests therein or thereon being sold or offered for sale in Nebraska. Cases or propositions wherein said investigations show that land, mineral, oil or gas properties are misrepresented or that fraud is practiced in selling same, their officers or agents shall be notified by the Conservation and Survey Division and if they continue to so operate same in Nebraska after said notice is given, the Division shall report its findings to the Attorney General of the State for action.
(j) Serve the citizens as an information bureau in regard to the resources, industries and development of Nebraska.
Sec. 2. Police power.
The Conservation and Survey Division is hereby given police power and authority for the purpose of carrying into effect and performing the duties defined in Section 1 of this Act. The Regents shall appoint a chief or director of the Division who shall direct the work of the Division, subject to the approval of the Regents. All expenses incurred in carrying out any of the provisions of this Act shall be subject to the approval of the Regents of the University of Nebraska and paid out of appropriations made from time to time by the legislature.
Sec. 3. Agreements, investigations.
The Conservation and Survey Division may enter into such agreements with federal departments as may be necessary to carry on cooperative surveys and investigations in the state, the agreements to be subject to the approval of the Regents of the University of Nebraska.
Sec. 4. Repeal.
That Chapter 225 of the Session Laws of Nebraska for 1919, and that part of Section No. 7123 of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska for 1913 which relates to the appointment of State Geologist, are hereby repealed.
Approved April 14, 1921.