The Utah Board of Oil, Gas and Mining announced the recipients of the 2019 Environmental Excellence Awards at an open house this week. Lieutenant Governor Spencer Cox attended and presented the awards.
The Board recognizes companies that choose reclamation projects, technological innovations, and best practices far exceeding what is normally expected under industry practices and regulatory requirements. It is also an opportunity for companies to demonstrate technical expertise and show pride in their industry.
2019 Environmental Excellence Award recipients:
Alton Coal Development, LLC., for the North Private Lease Area Kanab Creek Off-Site Mitigation Project near the Coal Hollow Mine in Kane County.
Ashley National Forest for the final reclamation work completed at the Golden Phoenix mine site in Duchesne County.
Canyon Fuels Company, LLC- Skyline Mine for going above and beyond regulatory requirements and partnering with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to conduct a full scale study on mining induced seismicity.
In 1992, the Utah Board of Oil, Gas and Mining created Earth Day Awards to recognize operators in the oil, gas, and mining industries who went above and beyond what was expected under regulatory requirements to protect the environment.
In 2018, the Board changed the name to Environmental Excellence Awards, a change that more accurately represents the intent of the award. As opinions over fossil fuels and mining have changed over the years, it is as important as ever for these industries to show they value protecting the environment, while providing resources that enhance the quality of our lives.