Pizarchik Confirmed As OSM Director
by Andy McAllister, Watershed Coordinator
WPCAMR is pleased to report that Joe Pizarchik, Director of the PA DEP’s Bureau of Mining and Reclamation was confirmed by the US Senate last week to be the Director of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Surface Mining (OSM). Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said, “Joe Pizarchik is a dedicated public servant whose experience in coal production will be invaluable as Director of Office of Surface Mining. I welcome his energy and insight on our policy team to balance the nation’s need for continued domestic coal production with protection of the environment.”
WPCAMR is grateful for the outpouring of support from our readership in response to our August 2009 Abandoned Mine Post (AMP) article supporting Joe. Undoubtedly, your letters to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (the committee that was responsible for moving Joe’s nomination to the full Senate for a vote) helped those committee members get a clearer picture of Joe’s accomplishments while at the DEP. WPCAMR is confident that Joe will serve our country well as Director of OSM and we offer Joe our heartfelt congratulations!