Executive Director’s Message By Ches Blevins – TMRA 2021 and Our Future
Happy New Year! Choose safe and choose helping others! That’s my wish for ALL of us as we charge into 2021 with hope and expectations for a better year with Challenges we SHOULD ALL face together! An advantage of being a bit older is that I’ve been able to get my first of two shots (Moderna). For those that haven’t, I encourage you to do so when you can. Neither Diann nor I had any bad reaction at all other than very minor soreness where we received the shot. Lasted a couple of days...just like any shot.
Now we FOCUS on 2021! A real VALUE to TMRA Membership is our ability to work as a TEAM, stronger together! Whether we are reviewing and commenting on National Policies, working with NMA and others, reviewing, analyzing and engaging with our Texas Legislators and Leadership on proposed legislation that could impact our industries and families, or continuing to work closely with the TCEQ, Railroad Commission of Texas, TxDOT and other agencies on rules and policies or practices that allow and encourage our industries to thrive to better the lives of ALL Texans, the more we work together the better our chances of success. The more TMRA can show that it represents ALL of YOU in our Mining and Power Generation Industries, the stronger will be our message and ability to influence! Now, more than ever before, your voice and participation are critical.
We must focus on where we have common interests, recognizing that we need not agree across the board. TMRA has, over the years, been an effective voice, pulling us together for strength and effectiveness, on issues that make a difference TO OUR INDUSTRIES and our ability to contribute to a strong Texas economy, sensible energy policies and ALWAYS protecting and enhancing our environmental resources.
My pledge to you, our TMRA members and friends, is that I will listen to you and work WITH you as we move forward in critical areas with the Railroad Commission of Texas, the Texas Legislature and Leadership, and with other agencies and organizations. Critical among those organizations with which we MUST coordinate are the Texas Aggregates and Concrete Association (TACA), Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute (RMCMI) and the National Mining Association (NMA).
What I’m asking OF YOU is that you be TMRA members and, wherever you can, support us with your time and talents! Wishing you all the very best.
Stay safe & well!
Ches Blevins,
TMRA Executive Director