[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6188]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MARION LOOMIS

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, after 38 years with the Wyoming Mining 
Association, Marion Loomis is retiring.
  Marion started his career in the early 1970s with the State of 
Wyoming's Department of Economic Planning and Development as an 
economic development geologist. In one of his first jobs, he ran the 
fuel allocation office during the Arab oil embargo in 1973. In 1976, he 
joined the Wyoming Mining Association and was made executive director 
in 1991. His vast knowledge and experience are tremendous assets to the 
State and its people, and we are grateful for his service.
  In Wyoming, we have adopted the Code of the West as our official 
State code of ethics. Marion Loomis personifies the code. This list of 
ten ideals every man and woman should live by perfectly describes 
Marion's personal--and professional--demeanor. Marion Loomis takes 
quiet pride in his work. With his advocacy, Wyoming has seen 
exponential growth in the coal industry. When he began, Wyoming 
produced 8 million tons of coal annually. Today, around 400 million 
tons of Wyoming coal are mined and shipped nationwide--and worldwide.
  Marion has never been one to boast or brag. Instead, he lets his 
accomplishments speak for themselves. In the past 40 years, Wyoming's 
production of trona has grown from 1 mine that produced 300,000 tons 
per year to 4 mines which produce over 10 million tons annually. When 
he speaks, people listen. They know that his opinions reflect a 
lifetime of study and are tough, balanced, and fair.
  Throughout his career, Marion Loomis has been a champion for Wyoming 
energy. He was a steadfast leader for the Wyoming Mining Association 
during several boom and bust cycles in energy development. The State's 
uranium production is a prime example. He witnessed a booming industry 
stagnate in the 1990s. Today, it has emerged again as a valuable 
resource. Marion has always promoted Wyoming as a key player in our 
Nation's quest for energy independence. He truly does ride for the 
brand, and his leadership is inspiring.
  Marion retired from the Wyoming Mining Association earlier this 
month. He will be missed, but he has left both the association and the 
industry stronger, thanks to his dedication and hard work. In the days 
ahead, Marion plans to fish the streams of Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains, 
where he and his wife have a cabin. I cannot think of a more fitting 
reward for a job--and a career--well done.

                          ____________________