Brent Wahlquist was recently confirmed as Director of the federal Office of Surface Mining, who served as director of OSM’s Applachian Region in Pittsburgh overseeing the agency’s programs in a seven-state area since 2002.

Wahlquist has served as OSM’s Acting Director since December 20, 2005 replacing former OSM Director Jeff Jarrett, who served as Deputy for Mineral Resource Management in DEP.

Bruce Golden, Western Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation’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, “The AML Campaign has met with Dr. Whalquist and found him to be very forthcoming. We look forward to a constructive relationship with as reclamation projects are implemented throughout the coal communities of Pennsylvania.”

Wahlquist is a 24-year veteran of OSM and previously 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.

He was confirmed on August 3, the 30th anniversary of the creation of the Office of Surface Mining. (Courtesy Abandoned Mine Posts)

8/17/2007