Governor Bentley Elected Chairman of Interstate Mining Compact Commission

MONTGOMERY—Governor Robert Bentley on Thursday announced he will serve as Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC) chairman in 2015. The Governor was elected chairman at the commission’s October business meeting in Washington, D.C.

“Alabama’s mining resources are extremely important to the economy of our state and nation, and I will use my position as Chairman of the Interstate Mining Compact Commission to advocate for states’ interests and rights as it relates to mining and Federal regulation,” Governor Bentley said. “I am honored to be selected chairman, and I will work closely with all of the IMCC member states to achieve the commission’s goals for the coming year.”

Alabama is one of 26 states in the IMCC. Similar to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, which Governor Bentley served as Chair in 2013, the IMCC represents the natural resource and related environmental protection interest of its member states. IMCC works to improve and enhance the role of states as the primary regulators of the mining industry, serving the dual role of protecting the environment while maintaining a vital minerals economy that is important to both the member states and the nation as a whole. The commission’s 45^th anniversary will be in 2015.

“The Interstate Mining Compact Commission is recognized for our experience and expertise on mining and related environmental issues in Washington, D.C., and the Commission provides a strong voice for the states in the nation’s capital,” Gregory E. Conrad, IMCC Executive Director said. “We are delighted to have the strong support and leadership of Governor Bentley as we continue our important work into the coming year.”

Governor Bentley will assume the role of Chairman in January 2015.