Citizens divided over Obama OSM pick

By Erica Peterson

July 7, 2009 • Environmentalists say the nomination of Joe Pizarchik as the director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement isn't encouraging.
Now, Joe Pizarchik directs Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Mining and Reclamation, but if the U.S. Senate confirms his nomination, he’ll oversee regulation of surface mining across the nation.

Pizarchik has an extensive resume. He’s been with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection since 1991. Both the Obama White House and the U.S. Department of the Interior sent out press releases citing one particular achievement.

Pizarchik helped author Pennsylvania’s Environmental Good Samaritan Act. In his current role, he also oversees the program, which protects landowners and groups that want to rehabilitate and reclaim abandoned mine lands from civil and environmental liability.

Tom Clarke is Pizarchik’s equivalent at the West Virginia DEP.

“I’ve known him for probably at least 12 years, maybe 13,” Clarke said. “I’ve always found him to be a dedicated professional. He’s done a good job for the state of Pennsylvania, and I believe he’s a good choice for OSM and I look forward to working with him in that capacity.”

But Pizarchik’s nomination has drawn mixed results from others.

Jeff Stant is the Director of the Environmental Integrity Project’s Coal Combustion Waste Initiative. He says Pizarchik is a poor choice.

The coal industry says Pizarchik is fair.

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