[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 80 (Wednesday, June 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       AWARD-WINNING COAL COMPANY

                                 ______


                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 1994

  Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise today and honor a 
successful small coal mining business. W.H. Bowlin Coal Co. in Saxton, 
KY, in Whitley County was nationally recognized by the Federal Office 
of Surface Mining Director Robert J. Uram at last week's National Coal 
Association Convention in Colorado Springs.
  W.H. Bowlin received the 1993 Excellence in Surface Mining 
Reclamation Award given to companies who produce innovative and 
creative accomplishments in restoring coal-mined land to its natural 
state.
  The Whitley County Coal Co. was honored specifically for its 
outstanding reclamation by a small mine operator. Before mining, this 
operation along the superhighway I-75 was covered with old spoil pits 
and ridges left from a mid-1940's operation. Bowlin's reclamation 
revegetated the whole site, making it capable and ready to produce hay.
  Bowlin belongs in ``the best of the best'' according to Uram because 
of its ``achievement of excellent land reclamation. It takes love for 
the land, solid technical know-how, a strong sense of pride, a respect 
for the land, and a sincere willingness to work closely with State 
regulatory agencies to achieve such excellent reclamation.''
  ``Bowlin's efforts deserve commendation from all who care about 
protection and conservation of our natural resources heritage.''
  U.S. Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt also praised the 1993 award 
winner, saying ``W.H. Bowlin has demonstrated they can extract a 
valuable mineral resource without causing permanent environmental 
damage, restoring the landscape as they go. I congratulate them for 
their achievements in preserving the natural environment for future 
generations of Americans.''
  I share the excitement and congratulations of Secretary Babbitt and 
OSM Director Uram about the fine work W.H. Bowlin has done and 
continues to do. They are a proud example of southern and eastern 
Kentucky mine operators and a model for all mine operators in America.

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