Deregulation of soil scientists and the practice of soil science would likely result in the following short- and long-term impacts:

Jeopardizes the public safety, health, and welfare of Virginians and visitors to Virginia as competency obtained through a licensing exam and continuing education would be eliminated • Removes accountability and confidence in the profession that consumers, state agencies and local governments rely upon • Transfers accountability and risk from soil scientists to consumers • Jeopardizes the livelihoods of licensed professionals, small business owners and employees during a current time of economic hardship due to COVID  • Shifts volume of work from soil scientists to engineers, architects, and surveyors that may not be minimally competent to practice some aspects of soil science.

Please retain the Soil Science licensure program.