July 2017 Executive Director Blog
Hello CSSGA members. The heat is here and summer is passing by. There is a lot going on at CSSGA, so let’s get to it!
- First off, some great news on the regulatory front. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued its proposed notice of withdrawal of the 2015 Waters of the U.S. Rule (WOTUS). This is a critical step in the process, and a huge indicator toward a full elimination of the changes. As you know, we have been opposed to the overreaching rule changes for several years and this move by the EPA is very welcome. I appreciate those who helped with “Action Alerts” and written letters on the issue. We must keep up the fight!
- Make plans to attend the MSHA Roundtable event to be held at the CSSGA office at 10 am on August 17. Top members of the MSHA are scheduled to attend, including David Weaver, newly appointed Rocky Mountain Region District Manager, Dustan W. Crelly, Assistant District manager, and Shane Julien, Denver Supervisor. These open format discussions are a great way to have positive interaction with MSHA officials as we all strive to make our operations as safe a possible. Hopefully key leadership for the mining side of the industry are able to attend. RSVP to annelise@coloradocaa.org if you plan to attend.
- Soon after the MSHA Roundtable, we are scheduled to conduct our annual Industry Tour. I am pleased to say, this year’s event is in the West Slope, and will take place in Grand Junction on August 22 with visits to the Oldcastle and Whitewater sites. We have several key elected and regulatory officials scheduled to participate.
- I want to thank those who participated in the Summer Golf and Networking BBQ in Grand Junction on June 20. It was very well attended and sponsored. Make plans to attend the Fall Networking Event that will take place in Fort Collins on Sept 19. Use this link to access registration and sponsorship details.
- Lastly, I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable 4th of July Holiday. This is truly a time to recognize the significance of the date in our nations history, and thank all the enlisted men and women, as well as all veterans for what they do for our country. Freedom is never free, and in the words of Thomas Paine in his writings of Common Sense in January 1776, he writes “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it”. The great founding fathers of our country laid their lives on the line in the pursuit of freedom and the words written in the Declaration of Independence. Let us always remember THAT the is the true reason we celebrate the 4th of July.
Thanks, and once again, enjoy the weather, and be safe. Let us know if there is anything CSSGA can do for you and your business.
Todd R. Ohlheiser
Executive Director