2017 AIPG Texas Section Field Trip Postponed to Spring, 2021 – Planning Underway

Final Announcement of the 2017 AIPG Texas Section Field Trip to Uranium Country in South Texas / West Texas to Visit REE Mine

Henry M. Wise, P.G., C.P.G., President of AIPG Texas Section, announced today that after detailed discussions with the five uranium mining companies having exploration/recovery operations in south/west Texas,  the AIPG Texas Section Board has decided to postpone the uranium field trip to south Texas indefinitely (circa spring of 2022?). The companies and Board concluded that it would be more interesting to field trip participants if all of the companies’ operations were in production of yellowcake, or the REE mine is ready to provide visit to their mine operations. Other geological sites in west Texas are also being considered.

Invitations will be extended to the Chair, Vice-Chairs, and Advisory Group of the Uranium (Nuclear and Rare Earth) Committee of the Energy Minerals Division (AAPG) to join us in sponsoring and participating in the field trip. Invitations will also be extended to the members of the  South Texas Geological Society and other local geological societies.

HMW

 

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The Wise Report

The State Legislature is now in session.

The following is a list of bills of potential interest to geologists. There are no new bills of interest this week. New information is listed in bold:

HB 484, by Spring, Relating to training required to qualify for or renew a license issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The TCEQ must provide a location within 100 miles of the place of employment of a person who is required to receive the training, reimbursement for travel and lodging expenses incurred if training isn’t available within 100 miles, or online training. 3/14/2017 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=85R&Bill=HB484

HB 815, by Burkett, Dale, Rick Miller, and Paul, Relating to the regulatory analysis of rules proposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. “Before adopting an environmental rule, the commission shall conduct a regulatory analysis that considers the costs and environmental effects and benefits expected to result from implementation of and compliance with the rule.” 3/14/2017 Withdrawn from schedule. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=85R&Bill=HB815

HB 1515, by Elkins, Relating to the expiration of the dry cleaner environmental response program. “A corrective action, including any administrative duties associated with the action, for which remediation of a contaminated site has begun before September 1, 2050, shall be completed in accordance with this chapter using money from the fund, to the extent possible, but money may not be collected for or added to the fund on or after that date.” Scheduled for public hearing on 3/21/2017. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=85R&Bill=HB1515

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