Members of board -- Qualifications and appointment -- Vacancies -- Organization -- Meetings -- Financial gain prohibited -- Expenses

(1) The board consists of eight members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 24, Part 2, Vacancies. (2) In addition to the requirements of Section 79-2-203, the members shall have the following qualifications: (a) one member knowledgeable in the field of geology as applied to the practice of engineering geology; (b) four members knowledgeable and representative of various segments of the mineral industry or energy industry throughout the state, such as hydrocarbons, geothermal, solid fuels, metals, and industrial minerals; (c) one member knowledgeable about the economic and scientific focus of areas over which the survey has duties or powers under Section 79-3-202; (d) one member knowledgeable about groundwater or water resources; and (e) one member: (i) interested in the goals of the survey; and (ii) from the public at large. (3) The director of the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration is an ex officio member of the board but without voting privileges. (4) (a) Except as required by Subsection (4)(b), the governor shall appoint a member to a term of four years. (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (4)(a), the governor shall, at the time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of board members are staggered so that approximately half of the board is appointed every two years. (c) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be appointed for the unexpired term by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. (5) The board shall select from the board's members a chair and such officers and committees as the board considers necessary. (6) (a) The board shall hold meetings at least quarterly on dates set by the board's chair. (b) Special meetings may be held upon notice of the chair or by a majority of the board's members. (c) A majority of the members of the board present at a meeting constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. (7) (a) A member of the board may not obtain financial gain by reason of information obtained during the course of the member's official duties. (b) A member shall comply with the conflict of interest provisions described in Title 63G, Chapter 24, Part 3, Conflicts of Interest. (8) A member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's service, but may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with: (a) Section 63A-3-106; (b) Section 63A-3-107; and (c) rules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.