It means every lawmaker isn’t a geologist. That’s fine. It also means there clearly wasn’t enough public input from geologists that someone would have noticed a name they’d never seen in a group they were familiar with.
I’ll go out on a limb and guess that none of the industry groups found this funny. They want to replicate this law in other states. The lawyers who worked on it, on the other hand, only work in North Dakota. And calling a spade a spade, I guess if I needed something in front of that legislature I’d at least know they’re competent and crafty.
My understanding: You are one legislator among many; you have almost no power on your own. To deliver results for your constituents or to accomplish anything depends especially on party leadership and on other members of your party prioritizing your wishes over many other things. If you don't follow leadership, if you aren't on the team, they won't do anything for you.
It means every lawmaker isn’t a geologist. That’s fine. It also means there clearly wasn’t enough public input from geologists that someone would have noticed a name they’d never seen in a group they were familiar with.