Phil Bredesen

Governor

State Capitol

Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0001

Dear Governor Bredesen:

Thank you for your Jan. 9, 2006, request for a review by the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) of the environmental impact of coal mining in Tennessee and for the development of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Also, thank you for the positions TDEC took in two letters dated January 13, and January 18, 2006. In those letters TDEC states their intention to insist on compliance with existing Tennessee Mining Law, even if OSM waives the provisions. Because the federal government has not been willing to enforce mining regulations to protect communities, public safety and the environment, Tennesseans are counting on you and TDEC. I really appreciate your efforts so far.

I understand that the state’s policy to prohibit mining where there is very acidic over burden is already being challenged by a permit request. Please have TDEC stand firm on that policy. It is good science and good for Tennessee.

Now that OSM has rejected the request for the EIS I am looking to you for leadership on this issue. Tennessee needs a solid plan to gather the scientific information and safeguard our environment regardless of the inaction of the federal government. It would be easy for this important issue be forgotten after this defeat. I’m not sure what the next step should be. I hope you have experts working on that right now. But please continue on the path you have begun. Tennesseans will support and follow you to preserve our beautiful state for our children.

Sincerely,

cc:

James H. Fyke, Commissioner

Paul Sloan, Deputy Commissioner for Environment

Department of Environment and Conservation

Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0435