Ray E. Peterson Confirmed for Mined Land Reclamation Board

Today the Colorado Senate confirmed the nomination of Ray E. Peterson, a La Salle, Colo., rancher and Weld County Farmers Union officer, to the Mined Land Reclamation Board. As a former state legislator and Colorado State Senate minority leader, Peterson is no stranger to Colorado government. He has also been active in adult education and served as a cooperative extension agent. Peterson has a B.S. in Animal Science and an M.A. in Education from Colorado State University, a Ph.D. from Arizona State University. He is recognized statewide for his contributions to education, and has been an active rancher in Nunn and La Salle for many years.

The Mined Land Reclamation Board oversees the work of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. Members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the legislature to four-year terms. Board members are selected to represent the public and private interests affected by Colorado mining.

“With the chance of uranium mining north of Greeley and the potential impacts on agriculture and groundwater, agricultural representation on the board is more important than ever,” said RMFU President Kent Peppler. “Ray Peterson brings legislative and agricultural experience to the board, and he will represent the interests of family farming and ranching and good stewardship of our soil and water.”