WPCAMR Congratulates New OSM Director
By Bruce Golden, Regional Coordinator and Andy McAllister, Watershed Coordinator
This week, WPCAMR congratulates Brent Wahlquist in his confirmation as Director of the Office of Surface Mining. Wahlquist has served as OSM’s Acting Director since December 20, 2005 replacing former OSM Director Jeff Jarrett.
Wahlquist, a 24-year career veteran of OSM, has served as director of OSM’s Applachian Region in Pittsburgh overseeing the agency’s programs in a seven-state area since 2002. Previously, he served as director of the agency’s Mid-Continent Region and also its Western Region. Dr. Wahlquist has also worked as OSM’s Assistant Director in Washington, DC. Before joining OSM, he served as deputy director of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources .
Last month, President Bush formally nominated Dr. Wahlquist to the post after several failed controversial nominations. On August 3, 2007, the 30th anniversary of the creation of the Office of Surface Mining, Wahlquist was unanimously confirmed by the Senate.
Bruce Golden, WPCMAR’s Regional Coordinator, said “Brent Whalquist is a very fitting choice for the Director’s position. He knows OSM and knows the issues as well as anyone. He is very thoughtful, experienced and forward looking. I expect he will continue to serve the position well as he leads OSM through the substantial changes to SMCRA instituted last December.”
John Dawes, Chairman of the PA AML Campaign, noted that “The AML Campaign has met with Dr. Whalquist and found him to be very forthcoming. “ Dawes went on to say, “ We look forward to a constructive relationship with as reclamation projects are implemented throughout the coal communities of Pennsylvania.”