diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/__main__.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/__main__.py
index 5ecf3504..9da65f83 100755
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/__main__.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/__main__.py
@@ -21,8 +21,8 @@
 import yaml
 from tqdm import tqdm
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import ROOT_HANDLERS_DIR, __version__, resources
-from e3sm_to_cmip._logger import _setup_logger, _setup_root_logger
+from e3sm_to_cmip import ROOT_HANDLERS_DIR, __version__, _logger, resources
+from e3sm_to_cmip.cmor_handlers.handler import instantiate_handler_logger
 from e3sm_to_cmip.cmor_handlers.utils import (
     MPAS_REALMS,
     REALMS,
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@
     Realm,
     _get_mpas_handlers,
     derive_handlers,
+    instantiate_h_utils_logger,
     load_all_handlers,
 )
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import (
@@ -41,6 +42,7 @@
     find_atm_files,
     find_mpas_files,
     get_handler_info_msg,
+    instantiate_util_logger,
     precheck,
     print_debug,
     print_message,
@@ -51,11 +53,6 @@
 warnings.filterwarnings("ignore")
 
 
-# Setup the root logger and this module's logger.
-log_filename = _setup_root_logger()
-logger = _setup_logger(__name__, propagate=True)
-
-
 @dataclass
 class CLIArguments:
     """A data class storing the command line arguments for e3sm_to_cmip.
@@ -98,9 +95,19 @@ class CLIArguments:
 
 class E3SMtoCMIP:
     def __init__(self, args: Optional[List[str]] = None):
+        # logger assignment is moved into __init__ AFTER the call to _parse_args
+        # to prevent the default logfile directory being created whenever a call
+        # to "--help" or "--version" is invoked.  Doing so, however, makes the
+        # logger unavailable to the functions in this class unless made global.
+        global logger
+
         # A dictionary of command line arguments.
         parsed_args = self._parse_args(args)
 
+        # Setup this module's logger AFTER args are parsed in __init__, so that
+        # default log file is NOT created for "--help" or "--version" calls.
+        logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True)
+
         # NOTE: The order of these attributes align with class CLIArguments.
         # ======================================================================
         # Run Mode settings.
@@ -141,6 +148,9 @@ def __init__(self, args: Optional[List[str]] = None):
         if self.precheck_path is not None:
             self._run_precheck()
 
+        self.handlers = self._get_handlers()
+
+    def print_config(self):
         logger.info("--------------------------------------")
         logger.info("| E3SM to CMIP Configuration")
         logger.info("--------------------------------------")
@@ -150,28 +160,24 @@ def __init__(self, args: Optional[List[str]] = None):
         logger.info(f"    * precheck_path='{self.precheck_path}'")
         logger.info(f"    * freq='{self.freq}'")
         logger.info(f"    * realm='{self.realm}'")
-        logger.info(f"    * Writing log output file to: {log_filename}")
-
-        self.handlers = self._get_handlers()
 
     def run(self):
-        # Setup logger information and print out e3sm_to_cmip CLI arguments.
+        # If info_mode, call and then exit.
         # ======================================================================
-        if self.output_path is not None:
-            self.new_metadata_path = os.path.join(
-                self.output_path, "user_metadata.json"
-            )
+        if self.info_mode:
+            self._run_info_mode()
+            sys.exit(0)
 
         # Setup directories using the CLI argument paths (e.g., output dir).
         # ======================================================================
-        if not self.info_mode:
-            self._setup_dirs_with_paths()
+        self._setup_dirs_with_paths()
 
-        # Run e3sm_to_cmip with info mode.
+        # Set new metadata path if output path was provided.
         # ======================================================================
-        if self.info_mode:
-            self._run_info_mode()
-            sys.exit(0)
+        if self.output_path is not None:
+            self.new_metadata_path = os.path.join(
+                self.output_path, "user_metadata.json"
+            )
 
         # Run e3sm_to_cmip to CMORize serially or in parallel.
         # ======================================================================
@@ -229,6 +235,10 @@ def _get_handlers(self):
             elif self.realm in MPAS_REALMS:
                 handlers = _get_mpas_handlers(self.var_list)
 
+            else:
+                logger.error(f"No such realm: {self.realm}")
+                sys.exit(0)
+
             if len(handlers) == 0:
                 logger.error(
                     "No CMIP6 variable handlers were derived from the variables found "
@@ -960,7 +970,15 @@ def _timeout_exit(self):
 
 def main(args: Optional[List[str]] = None):
     app = E3SMtoCMIP(args)
-    app.run()
+
+    # These calls allow module loggers that create default logfiles to avoid being
+    # instantiated by arguments "--help" or "--version" upon import.
+    instantiate_util_logger()
+    instantiate_h_utils_logger()
+    instantiate_handler_logger()
+
+    app.print_config()
+    return app.run()
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/_logger.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/_logger.py
index 2e14df7c..90b12c3b 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/_logger.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/_logger.py
@@ -1,68 +1,70 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
 import logging
 import os
-import time
-from datetime import datetime
-
-from pytz import UTC
+from datetime import datetime, timezone
 
+DEFAULT_LOG_LEVEL = logging.INFO
+DEFAULT_LOG_DIR = "e2c_logs"
+DEFAULT_LOGPATH = f"{DEFAULT_LOG_DIR}/e2c_root_log-{datetime.now(timezone.utc).strftime('%Y%m%d_%H%M%S_%f')}.log"
 
-def _setup_root_logger() -> str:  # pragma: no cover
-    """Sets up the root logger.
+# Logger message and date formats.
+MSGFMT = "%(asctime)s_%(msecs)03d:%(levelname)s:%(name)s:%(funcName)s:%(message)s"
+DATEFMT = "%Y%m%d_%H%M%S"
 
-    The logger module will write to a log file and stream the console
-    simultaneously.
 
-    The log files are saved in a `/logs` directory relative to where
-    `e3sm_to_cmip` is executed.
+def _logger(
+    name: str | None = None,
+    log_filename: str = DEFAULT_LOGPATH,
+    log_level: int = DEFAULT_LOG_LEVEL,
+    to_console: bool = False,
+    to_logfile: bool = False,
+    propagate: bool = False,
+):
+    """Return a root or named logger with variable configuration.
 
-    Returns
-    -------
-    str
-        The name of the logfile.
+    Parameters
+    ----------
+    name : str | None
+        The name displayed for the logger in messages.
+        If name == None or name == "__main__", the root logger is returned
+    log_filename : str
+        If logfile handling is requested, any logfile may be specified.
+    log_level : LogLevel
+        Either logging.DEBUG (10), logging.INFO (20), logging.WARNING (30),
+        logging.ERROR (40), logging.CRITICAL (50), by default logging.INFO.
+    to_console : boolean
+        If True, a logging.StreamHandler is supplied, by default False.
+    to_logfile : boolean
+        If True, a logging.FileHandler is supplied, by default False.
+    propagate : boolean
+        If True, messages logged are propagated to the root logger, by default
+        False.
     """
-    os.makedirs("logs", exist_ok=True)
-    filename = f'logs/{UTC.localize(datetime.utcnow()).strftime("%Y%m%d_%H%M%S_%f")}'
-    log_format = "%(asctime)s_%(msecs)03d:%(levelname)s:%(funcName)s:%(message)s"
-
-    # Setup the logging module.
-    logging.basicConfig(
-        filename=filename,
-        format=log_format,
-        datefmt="%Y%m%d_%H%M%S",
-        level=logging.DEBUG,
-    )
-    logging.captureWarnings(True)
-    logging.Formatter.converter = time.gmtime
-
-    # Configure and add a console stream handler.
-    console_handler = logging.StreamHandler()
-    console_handler.setLevel(logging.INFO)
-    log_formatter = logging.Formatter(log_format)
-    console_handler.setFormatter(log_formatter)
-    logging.getLogger().addHandler(console_handler)
+    if to_logfile:
+        dn = os.path.dirname(log_filename)
+        if len(dn) and not os.path.exists(dn):
+            os.makedirs(dn)
 
-    return filename
+    if name is None or name == "__main__":
+        # FIXME: F821 Undefined name `logger`
+        logger = logger.root  # noqa: F821
+    else:
+        logger = logging.getLogger(name)
 
+    logger.propagate = propagate
+    logger.setLevel(log_level)
 
-def _setup_logger(name, propagate=True) -> logging.Logger:
-    """Sets up a logger object.
-
-    This function is intended to be used at the top-level of a module.
+    logger.handlers = []
 
-    Parameters
-    ----------
-    name : str
-        Name of the file where this function is called.
-    propagate : bool, optional
-        Propogate this logger module's messages to the root logger or not, by
-        default True.
+    if to_console:
+        logStreamHandler = logging.StreamHandler()
+        logStreamHandler.setFormatter(logging.Formatter(MSGFMT, datefmt=DATEFMT))
+        logger.addHandler(logStreamHandler)
 
-    Returns
-    -------
-    logging.Logger
-        The logger.
-    """
-    logger = logging.getLogger(name)
-    logger.propagate = propagate
+    if to_logfile:
+        logFileHandler = logging.FileHandler(log_filename)
+        logFileHandler.setFormatter(logging.Formatter(MSGFMT, datefmt=DATEFMT))
+        logger.addHandler(logFileHandler)
 
     return logger
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/handler.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/handler.py
index c7e4510f..99a19285 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/handler.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/handler.py
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import json
-import logging
 import os
 from typing import Any, Dict, KeysView, List, Literal, Optional, Tuple, TypedDict
 
@@ -11,11 +10,16 @@
 import xcdat as xc
 import yaml
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip._logger import _setup_logger
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger
 from e3sm_to_cmip.cmor_handlers import FILL_VALUE, _formulas
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import _get_table_for_non_monthly_freq
 
-logger = _setup_logger(__name__)
+
+def instantiate_handler_logger():
+    global logger
+
+    logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=True)
+
 
 # The names for valid hybrid sigma levels.
 HYBRID_SIGMA_LEVEL_NAMES = [
@@ -289,7 +293,7 @@ def _all_vars_have_filepaths(
         """
         for var, filepaths in vars_to_filespaths.items():
             if len(filepaths) == 0:
-                logging.error(f"{var}: Unable to find input files for {var}")
+                logger.error(f"{var}: Unable to find input files for {var}")
                 return False
 
         return True
@@ -331,7 +335,7 @@ def _setup_cmor_module(
         cmor.dataset_json(metadata_path)
         cmor.load_table(self.table)
 
-        logging.info(f"{var_name}: CMOR setup complete")
+        logger.info(f"{var_name}: CMOR setup complete")
 
     def _get_var_time_dim(self, table_path: str) -> str | None:
         """Get the CMIP variable's time dimension, if it exists.
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/areacello.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/areacello.py
index dcd6f802..d3833aec 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/areacello.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/areacello.py
@@ -2,11 +2,9 @@
 compute  Grid-Cell Area for Ocean Variables areacello
 """
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -17,6 +15,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "m2"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Ofx.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/fsitherm.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/fsitherm.py
index 235365ed..8d950f26 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/fsitherm.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/fsitherm.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "kg m-2 s-1"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         print_message(f"Simple CMOR output not supported for {VAR_NAME}", "error")
         return None
 
-    logging.info(f"Starting {VAR_NAME}")
+    logger.info(f"Starting {VAR_NAME}")
 
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASO"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/hfds.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/hfds.py
index 47595ada..5275ac2f 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/hfds.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/hfds.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "W m-2"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         print_message(f"Simple CMOR output not supported for {VAR_NAME}", "error")
         return None
 
-    logging.info(f"Starting {VAR_NAME}")
+    logger.info(f"Starting {VAR_NAME}")
 
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASO"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/hfsifrazil.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/hfsifrazil.py
index 455c3a4b..7e13b0db 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/hfsifrazil.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/hfsifrazil.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "W m-2"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         print_message(f"Simple CMOR output not supported for {VAR_NAME}", "error")
         return None
 
-    logging.info(f"Starting {VAR_NAME}")
+    logger.info(f"Starting {VAR_NAME}")
 
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASO"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/masscello.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/masscello.py
index b691a5bc..a92ca946 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/masscello.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/masscello.py
@@ -4,12 +4,10 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import netCDF4
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -20,6 +18,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "kg m-2"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     namelistFileName = infiles["MPASO_namelist"]
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/masso.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/masso.py
index 98d4e5b3..57d710ff 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/masso.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/masso.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "kg"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     namelistFileName = infiles["MPASO_namelist"]
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/mlotst.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/mlotst.py
index e128c29d..48f37ccc 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/mlotst.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/mlotst.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "m"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/msftmz.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/msftmz.py
index bf16ab73..2ffc18ae 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/msftmz.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/msftmz.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "kg s-1"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASO"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/pbo.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/pbo.py
index 1e458004..6b64890f 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/pbo.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/pbo.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "Pa"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     namelistFileName = infiles["MPASO_namelist"]
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/pso.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/pso.py
index 52b005ac..eaac827c 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/pso.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/pso.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "Pa"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     namelistFileName = infiles["MPASO_namelist"]
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sfdsi.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sfdsi.py
index ca69fdb3..8b162e75 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sfdsi.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sfdsi.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "kg m-2 s-1"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASO"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/siconc.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/siconc.py
index f7b8784c..db0b9933 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/siconc.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/siconc.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "%"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_SImon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASSI"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/simass.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/simass.py
index 224a86bf..ecc4bed9 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/simass.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/simass.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
 RAW_VARIABLES = ["MPASSI", "MPAS_mesh", "MPAS_map"]
@@ -18,6 +16,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "kg m-2"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_SImon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         the name of the processed variable after processing is complete
     """
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASSI"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sisnmass.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sisnmass.py
index 91c28fd4..ede2a923 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sisnmass.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sisnmass.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "kg m-2"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_SImon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASSI"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sisnthick.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sisnthick.py
index 183200f7..5a9891da 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sisnthick.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sisnthick.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "m"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_SImon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASSI"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sitemptop.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sitemptop.py
index 12684368..0edda0d5 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sitemptop.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sitemptop.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "K"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_SImon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASSI"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sithick.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sithick.py
index 39efbe9b..26d414de 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sithick.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sithick.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "m"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_SImon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASSI"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sitimefrac.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sitimefrac.py
index 7d9e9a9a..1ba9ec06 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sitimefrac.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sitimefrac.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "1"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_SImon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASSI"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/siu.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/siu.py
index 12f31da4..9b1eb8a1 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/siu.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/siu.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "m s-1"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_SImon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/siv.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/siv.py
index edd5d90b..0ef61b01 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/siv.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/siv.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "m s-1"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_SImon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/so.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/so.py
index 7d16405d..11a53aa9 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/so.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/so.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "0.001"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sob.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sob.py
index 84af9492..a7e26fea 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sob.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sob.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
 RAW_VARIABLES = ["MPASO", "MPAS_mesh", "MPAS_map"]
@@ -18,6 +16,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "0.001"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/soga.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/soga.py
index c9685359..b3b8b717 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/soga.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/soga.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "0.001"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASO"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sos.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sos.py
index ab4be65e..d6a0b946 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sos.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sos.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "0.001"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sosga.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sosga.py
index bfa23cec..619bc14b 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sosga.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/sosga.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "0.001"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASO"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tauuo.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tauuo.py
index c1b6ae90..3315dd3d 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tauuo.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tauuo.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "N m-2"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASO"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tauvo.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tauvo.py
index 570a431a..84de5870 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tauvo.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tauvo.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "N m-2"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASO"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/thetao.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/thetao.py
index 59781f99..2a469a9f 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/thetao.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/thetao.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "degC"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/thetaoga.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/thetaoga.py
index 0ef0e1ce..efdeaa5f 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/thetaoga.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/thetaoga.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "degC"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASO"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/thkcello.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/thkcello.py
index 389bc428..4d0fe196 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/thkcello.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/thkcello.py
@@ -2,12 +2,10 @@
 compute Ocean Model Cell Thickness, thkcello
 """
 
-import logging
-
 import netCDF4
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -18,6 +16,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "m"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tob.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tob.py
index e1503232..2bfcdeda 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tob.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tob.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "degC"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tos.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tos.py
index 3766a1f8..dab1c782 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tos.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tos.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "degC"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tosga.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tosga.py
index 55853352..4c48c279 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tosga.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/tosga.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "degC"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASO"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/uo.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/uo.py
index 3f90cef4..cf7bafa5 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/uo.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/uo.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "m s-1"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/vo.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/vo.py
index ed230a72..698d1261 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/vo.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/vo.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "m s-1"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/volcello.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/volcello.py
index 73b63287..d29c81cf 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/volcello.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/volcello.py
@@ -2,12 +2,10 @@
 compute Ocean Grid-Cell Volume, volcello
 """
 
-import logging
-
 import netCDF4
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -18,6 +16,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "m3"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/volo.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/volo.py
index 53058a48..64c3cc82 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/volo.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/volo.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "m3"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASO"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/wfo.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/wfo.py
index ec982518..3f47708a 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/wfo.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/wfo.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "kg m-2 s-1"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
     timeSeriesFiles = infiles["MPASO"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/wo.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/wo.py
index b0136c43..c1bd2238 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/wo.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/wo.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "m s-1"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/zhalfo.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/zhalfo.py
index dc26dac3..5c092403 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/zhalfo.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/zhalfo.py
@@ -4,12 +4,10 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import numpy
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -20,6 +18,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "m"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/zos.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/zos.py
index eb439a54..1fbc3a9a 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/zos.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/mpas_vars/zos.py
@@ -4,11 +4,9 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
-import logging
-
 import xarray
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import mpas, util
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, mpas, util
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message
 
 # 'MPAS' as a placeholder for raw variables needed
@@ -19,6 +17,8 @@
 VAR_UNITS = "m"
 TABLE = "CMIP6_Omon.json"
 
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, **kwargs):
         return
 
     msg = "Starting {name}".format(name=__name__)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     meshFileName = infiles["MPAS_mesh"]
     mappingFileName = infiles["MPAS_map"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/utils.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/utils.py
index 8f946e8e..15c55af8 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/utils.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/utils.py
@@ -10,12 +10,17 @@
     HANDLER_DEFINITIONS_PATH,
     LEGACY_HANDLER_DIR_PATH,
     MPAS_HANDLER_DIR_PATH,
+    _logger,
 )
-from e3sm_to_cmip._logger import _setup_logger
 from e3sm_to_cmip.cmor_handlers.handler import VarHandler
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import _get_table_for_non_monthly_freq
 
-logger = _setup_logger(__name__)
+
+def instantiate_h_utils_logger():
+    global logger
+
+    logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
+
 
 # Type aliases
 Frequency = Literal["mon", "day", "6hrLev", "6hrPlev", "6hrPlevPt", "3hr", "1hr"]
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/vars/areacella.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/vars/areacella.py
index 9f0d50b8..d5207f04 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/vars/areacella.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/vars/areacella.py
@@ -5,19 +5,17 @@
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function, unicode_literals
 
 import json
-import logging
 import os
 
 import cmor
 import numpy as np
 import xarray as xr
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import resources
-from e3sm_to_cmip._logger import _setup_logger
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, resources
 from e3sm_to_cmip.mpas import write_netcdf
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message, setup_cmor
 
-logger = _setup_logger(__name__)
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
 
 # list of raw variable names needed
 RAW_VARIABLES = [str("area")]
@@ -66,7 +64,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, table, logdir):
         if len(infiles[variable]) == 0:
             msg = "{}: Unable to find input files for {}".format(VAR_NAME, variable)
             print_message(msg)
-            logging.error(msg)
+            logger.error(msg)
             zerofiles = True
     if zerofiles:
         return None
@@ -128,7 +126,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, table, logdir):
     ]
 
     msg = "areacella: running CMOR"
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     axis_ids = list()
     for axis in axes:
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/vars/clisccp.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/vars/clisccp.py
index 5402ef72..d077de2a 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/vars/clisccp.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/vars/clisccp.py
@@ -6,17 +6,16 @@
 
 from __future__ import absolute_import, annotations, division, unicode_literals
 
-import logging
 from typing import Dict, List, Union
 
 import cmor
 import numpy as np
 import xarray as xr
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip._logger import _setup_logger
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message, setup_cmor
 
-logger = _setup_logger(__name__)
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
 
 # list of raw variable names needed
 RAW_VARIABLES = [str("FISCCP1_COSP")]
@@ -59,14 +58,14 @@ def handle(  # noqa: C901
         If CMORizing was successful, return the output CMIP variable name
         to indicate success. If failed, return None
     ."""
-    logging.info(f"Starting {VAR_NAME}")
+    logger.info(f"Starting {VAR_NAME}")
 
     nonzero = False
     for variable in RAW_VARIABLES:
         if len(vars_to_filepaths[variable]) == 0:
             msg = f"{variable}: Unable to find input files for {RAW_VARIABLES}"
             print_message(msg)
-            logging.error(msg)
+            logger.error(msg)
             nonzero = True
     if nonzero:
         return None
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/vars/orog.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/vars/orog.py
index 7de757df..4741a0ef 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/vars/orog.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/vars/orog.py
@@ -5,19 +5,17 @@
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function, unicode_literals
 
 import json
-import logging
 import os
 
 import cmor
 import numpy as np
 import xarray as xr
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import resources
-from e3sm_to_cmip._logger import _setup_logger
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, resources
 from e3sm_to_cmip.mpas import write_netcdf
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message, setup_cmor
 
-logger = _setup_logger(__name__)
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
 
 # list of raw variable names needed
 RAW_VARIABLES = [str("PHIS")]
@@ -66,7 +64,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, table, logdir):
         if len(infiles[variable]) == 0:
             msg = f"{VAR_NAME}: Unable to find input files for {variable}"
             print_message(msg)
-            logging.error(msg)
+            logger.error(msg)
             zerofiles = True
     if zerofiles:
         return None
@@ -79,7 +77,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, table, logdir):
     )
 
     msg = "{}: CMOR setup complete".format(VAR_NAME)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     # extract data from the input file
     msg = "orog: loading PHIS"
@@ -120,7 +118,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, table, logdir):
     ]
 
     msg = "orog: running CMOR"
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     axis_ids = list()
     for axis in axes:
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/vars/sftlf.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/vars/sftlf.py
index 127f7788..56a0f593 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/vars/sftlf.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/cmor_handlers/vars/sftlf.py
@@ -5,19 +5,17 @@
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function, unicode_literals
 
 import json
-import logging
 import os
 
 import cmor
 import numpy as np
 import xarray as xr
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip import resources
-from e3sm_to_cmip._logger import _setup_logger
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger, resources
 from e3sm_to_cmip.mpas import write_netcdf
 from e3sm_to_cmip.util import print_message, setup_cmor
 
-logger = _setup_logger(__name__)
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
 
 # list of raw variable names needed
 RAW_VARIABLES = [str("LANDFRAC")]
@@ -65,7 +63,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, table, logdir):
         if len(infiles[variable]) == 0:
             msg = f"{VAR_NAME}: Unable to find input files for {variable}"
             print_message(msg)
-            logging.error(msg)
+            logger.error(msg)
             zerofiles = True
     if zerofiles:
         return None
@@ -78,7 +76,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, table, logdir):
     )
 
     msg = "{}: CMOR setup complete".format(VAR_NAME)
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     # extract data from the input file
     msg = "sftlf: loading LANDFRAC"
@@ -119,7 +117,7 @@ def handle(infiles, tables, user_input_path, table, logdir):
     ]
 
     msg = "sftlf: running CMOR"
-    logging.info(msg)
+    logger.info(msg)
 
     axis_ids = list()
     for axis in axes:
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/mpas.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/mpas.py
index b3f101fa..e7ed0123 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/mpas.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/mpas.py
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@
 from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
 
 import argparse
-import logging
 import multiprocessing
 import os
 import re
@@ -23,21 +22,23 @@
 import xarray
 from dask.diagnostics import ProgressBar
 
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger
+
+logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
 
-def run_ncremap_cmd(args, env):
-    logtext = f"mpas.py: remap: ncremap args = {args}"
-    logging.info(logtext)
 
+def run_ncremap_cmd(args, env):
     proc = subprocess.Popen(
         args, stdout=subprocess.PIPE, stderr=subprocess.PIPE, env=env
     )
     (out, err) = proc.communicate()
-    logging.info(out)
+    logger.info(out)
     if proc.returncode:
-        print("Error running ncremap command: {}".format(" ".join(args)))
+        arglist = " ".join(args)
+        logger.error(f"Error running ncremap command: {arglist}")
         print(err.decode("utf-8"))
         raise subprocess.CalledProcessError(  # type: ignore
-            "ncremap returned {}".format(proc.returncode)  # type: ignore
+            f"ncremap returned {proc.returncode}"  # type: ignore
         )
 
 
@@ -55,6 +56,11 @@ def remap_seaice_sgs(inFileName, outFileName, mappingFileName, renorm_threshold=
     ds_in = xarray.open_dataset(inFileName, decode_times=False)
     outFilePath = f"{outFileName}sub"
     os.makedirs(outFilePath)
+
+    logger.info(
+        f"Calling run_ncremap_cmd for each ds_slice in {range(ds_in.sizes['time'])}"
+    )
+
     for t_index in range(ds_in.sizes["time"]):
         ds_slice = ds_in.isel(time=slice(t_index, t_index + 1))
         ds_slice.to_netcdf(f"{outFilePath}/temp_in{t_index}.nc")
@@ -117,6 +123,7 @@ def remap(ds, pcode, mappingFileName):
     outFileName = _get_temp_path()
 
     if "depth" in ds.dims:
+        logger.info("Calling ds.transpose")
         ds = ds.transpose("time", "depth", "nCells", "nbnd")
 
     # missing_value_mask attribute has undesired impacts in ncremap
@@ -143,8 +150,8 @@ def remap(ds, pcode, mappingFileName):
     # remove the temporary files
     keep_temp_files = False
     if keep_temp_files:
-        logging.info(f"Retaining inFileName  {inFileName}")
-        logging.info(f"Retaining outFileName {outFileName}")
+        logger.info(f"Retaining inFileName  {inFileName}")
+        logger.info(f"Retaining outFileName {outFileName}")
     else:
         os.remove(inFileName)
         os.remove(outFileName)
@@ -189,6 +196,8 @@ def add_time(ds, dsIn, referenceDate="0001-01-01", offsetYears=0):
         dateStrings=xtimeEnd, referenceDate=referenceDate
     )
 
+    logger.info(f"add_time: daysStart={daysStart} daysEnd={daysEnd}")
+
     time_bnds = np.zeros((len(daysStart), 2))
     time_bnds[:, 0] = daysStart
     time_bnds[:, 1] = daysEnd
@@ -431,7 +440,7 @@ def write_cmor(axes, ds, varname, varunits, d2f=True, **kwargs):
                 time_bnds=ds.time_bnds.values,
             )
     except Exception as error:
-        logging.exception(f"Error in cmor.write for {varname}")
+        logger.exception(f"Error in cmor.write for {varname}")
         raise Exception(error) from error
     finally:
         cmor.close(varid)
diff --git a/e3sm_to_cmip/util.py b/e3sm_to_cmip/util.py
index 3627d9e5..330cb0a0 100644
--- a/e3sm_to_cmip/util.py
+++ b/e3sm_to_cmip/util.py
@@ -14,9 +14,13 @@
 import yaml
 from tqdm import tqdm
 
-from e3sm_to_cmip._logger import _setup_logger
+from e3sm_to_cmip import _logger
 
-logger = _setup_logger(__name__)
+
+def instantiate_util_logger():
+    global logger
+
+    logger = _logger._logger(name=__name__, to_logfile=True, propagate=False)
 
 
 ATMOS_TABLES = [
@@ -112,7 +116,7 @@ def setup_cmor(var_name, table_path, table_name, user_input_path):
     table_name = str(table_name)
     user_input_path = str(user_input_path)
 
-    logfile = os.path.join(os.getcwd(), "logs")
+    logfile = os.path.join(os.getcwd(), "cmor_logs")
     if not os.path.exists(logfile):
         os.makedirs(logfile)
 
@@ -562,7 +566,7 @@ def find_mpas_files(component, path, map_path=None):  # noqa: C901
         pattern_v2 = "mocBasinsAndTransects"
         for infile in contents:
             if pattern_v1 in infile or pattern_v2 in infile:
-                logger.info(f"component mpas0_moc_regions found: {infile}")
+                logger.info(f"component mpaso_moc_regions found: {infile}")
                 return os.path.abspath(os.path.join(path, infile))
         raise IOError("Unable to find mpaso_moc_regions in the input directory")
 
diff --git a/tests/run_script.py b/tests/run_script.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..dc53a411
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/run_script.py
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+"""
+A test script to run the `e3sm_to_cmip` package with a set of arguments.
+
+This script is meant to be ran into LCRC.
+"""
+
+from e3sm_to_cmip.__main__ import main
+
+args = [
+    "--var-list",
+    "pfull, phalf, tas, ts, psl, ps, sfcWind, huss, pr, prc, prsn, evspsbl, tauu, tauv, hfls, clt, rlds, rlus, rsds, rsus, hfss, cl, clw, cli, clivi, clwvi, prw, rldscs, rlut, rlutcs, rsdt, rsuscs, rsut, rsutcs, rtmt, abs550aer, od550aer, rsdscs, hur",
+    "--input",
+    "/lcrc/group/e3sm/e3sm_to_cmip/input/atm-unified-eam-ncclimo",
+    "--output",
+    "../qa/tmp",
+    "--tables-path",
+    "/lcrc/group/e3sm/e3sm_to_cmip/cmip6-cmor-tables/Tables/",
+    "--user-metadata",
+    "/lcrc/group/e3sm/e3sm_to_cmip/template.json",
+    "--serial",
+]
+
+# `main()` creates an `E3SMtoCMIP` object and passes `args` to it, which sets the object parameters to execute a run.
+main(args)