Executive Director’s Message By Ches Blevins: Environmental & Reclamation Excellence

Executive Director's Message: Environmental & Reclamation Excellence

For very valid reasons, our focus nationally, even worldwide, for the last several months has been on personal health and safety because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Our industry has been a leader in this effort to protect our workers, our families and our communities. We should be proud of this commitment and continue to act responsibly.

With that focus and policy decisions at both the State and Federal level, have our Mining and Reclamation Operations continued? As an essential industry, the answer is “YES”! Importantly, in Texas have our Operations continued to meet or exceed State, Federal and Permit requirements that ensure that our health, safety and the environment are protected? The short and correct answer is “Absolutely!” While the way mining and reclamation activities have gone forward has been adjusted to provide social-distancing and other related safeguards, often meaning reduced onsite staff and contractors, both mining AND reclamation have continued. It’s not been easy or without bumps in the road, but the commitment and professionalism have never waivered. Even with all of the challenges, working with agencies such as the Railroad Commission of Texas, the job is getting done! 

As Mining WITH Responsible and Timely Reclamation, and responsible power generation and other uses of our natural resources are our mantra, our mission, we are focusing this issue of our TMRA eNewsletter on our demonstrated Environmental & Reclamation Excellence. I hope that you will all take a few minutes to read and consider what we’ve included, then let us know what other examples we should have included so that we can point those out in future issues. I’d love to be swamped as you have every reason to be proud!

While thinking about where we are, think about and consider how YOU and Your Company can be, or continue to be, a part of this TEAM effort. You’ll see in this issue the schedule of events and meetings for TMRA. If not already on your calendar, add them as your voice is our voice. Our success comes from YOU! 

Thanks, and stay safe and well! 

Ches Blevins,
TMRA Executive Director