Created by statute in 1968, the independent Board for Geologists and Geophysicists protects the public by (i) examining and licensing only fully qualified professionals; (ii) promulgating and enforcing high professional standards commensurate with the considerable technical challenges associated with preventing or mitigating potential risks to human health, safety and the environment, and maintaining and improving California's critical infrastructure – e.g., schools, hospitals and transportation – housing, water supply, flood control, community well-being and economic development, waste disposal, enjoyment of open space and private property, and emergency preparedness; and (iii) taking effective and appropriate disciplinary action against unlicensed activity in these areas where geology and geophysics play such crucial roles.