Geoscience has a long history of providing guidance and support for public policy that benefits government, society, and the health of the planet. An overview of government organizations and public laws that involve geoscience for the benefit of humankind is provided here in celebration of the Geological Society of America's 125th anniversary. With an expanding human population, increasing industrialization, and evolving weaponry and hostilities, it is essential for public policy to consider geoscience guidance related to natural resource exploration and development, hazard monitoring and mitigation, national security, space exploration and development, and human impacts to Earth's land, water, air, and life.