LEC honors leaders for their contributions to the lignite industry

The Lignite Energy Council recently honored individuals and companies for their dedication to the lignite industry during the Council’s 44^th Annual Meeting on April 20, 2017, in Bismarck, ND.

“These individuals have given much of their time and energy to help sustain a strong lignite industry that benefits our region by providing reliable, low-cost and increasingly clean electricity,” said Jason Bohrer, president & CEO of the Lignite Energy Council.

Lignite Public Service Award

David Glatt, chief of the Environmental Section of the North Dakota Department of Health for his efforts to gain public input regarding the Clean Power Plan in the fall of 2015. Public meetings were held in Williston, Bismarck, Beulah and Fargo.

Maggie Olson, an assistant attorney general in the North Dakota Office of Attorney General, also received an award for her work in the Attorney General’s office in defending the state against the Clean Power Plan. North Dakota was one of 27 states to challenge the CPP.

Distinguished Service Award – Research and Development Program

Five were honored for their efforts to reduce soil compaction during mine reclamation efforts. The study is being conducted by North Dakota State University. The mining company employees honored are: Jeremy Eckroth, The Falkirk Mining Company; Troy Leingang, on behalf of The Coteau Properties Company; Sarah Flath, The Coyote Creek Mining Company; Jay Volk, BNI Coal’s Center Mine; and Terrence Schmidt, North American Coal.

Distinguished Service Award – Government Action Program (Regulatory)

Nine companies were honored for their efforts regarding the Clean Power Plan that was released in August 2015 and stayed by the Supreme Court in February 2016. Representatives of the utilities and mining companies are: Mark Thoma, Otter Tail Power Company, Daniel Whitley, Dakota Gasification Company; Mike Paul, Basin Electric Power Cooperative; Wade Boeshans, BNI Energy; Mike Cashin, Minnesota Power; Joe Friedlander, North American Coal Corporation; Craig Bleth, Minnkota Power Cooperative, Mary Jo Roth, Great River Energy, and Abbie Krebsbach, Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.

Distinguished Service Award – Public Relations

Environmental Services’ President and CEO Perrie Schafer received the award for his efforts to inform both policymakers and the public about the environmental stewardship of the lignite industry both at the plants and the mining companies.

Distinguished Service Award – Education

Jessica Unruh, environmental specialist at The Coteau Properties’ Freedom Mine received an award for her years of presenting the coal mining and reclamation information to the teachers. She also was a frequent tour bus guide for the teachers at the mine.

Distinguished Service Award – Government Action Program

Great River Energy’s Al Christianson for chairing the Lignite Energy Council’s government affairs committee during a time of unprecedented regulations under the Obama Administration.

Ambassador of Lignite Award

Jim Knox of BNI Coal, Jude Reilly of Industrial Contractors, Inc., John Graves of Minnkota Power Cooperative and John Weeda of Great River Energy for their many years of dedicated service and expertise to the lignite industry. Knox helped for many years with the annual walk/run event. Reilly supported the industry with his presence and at the LEC meetings. Graves led and participated on the LEC’s environmental managers’ committee, and Weeda was a stalwart supporter and participant in the annual LEC education seminar.