OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING
     RECLAMATION & ENFORCEMENT

For release March 3, 1997               Jerry Childress (202) 208-2719
                                   jchildre@osmre.gov

         OSM DISTRIBUTES APPALACHIAN CLEAN STREAMS VIDEO

     Kathrine L. Henry, Acting Director of the Interior Department's Office of Surface
Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), today announced nationwide distribution
of a new video production:  "A Shared Commitment: The Appalachian Clean
Streams Initiative."

     Produced by OSM's Office of Communications, the video is designed to
introduce and explain the Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative to coalfield citizens and
reach out to interested groups at all levels.  The 15-minute program was shot and
edited by Lori Windle of OSM's Western Regional Coordinating Center, Denver, CO.
       
     After an on-screen introduction by Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt, the
production features representatives from environmental groups, the coal industry, local
watershed associations, and Federal and State Government agencies, describing their
commitment to the Clean Streams Initiative, and inviting others either to join ongoing
efforts or start Clean Stream projects of their own.

     "The Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative is an excellent example of how the
Federal Government has joined with states, companies, local communities, and
environmental and watershed groups, all working together toward the common goal of
cleaning up thousands of miles of streams polluted by acid mine drainage," Henry said. 
"This new video should help spread the word to even more coalfield people who may
want to get involved."

     Henry noted that OSM's latest budget request includes a $1 million increase for
the Clean Streams Initiative, for a total of $5 million in Fiscal 1998.


                                 

 
     For additional information about the Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative, or
copies of the video, contact the OSM Office of Communications, 1951 Constitution
Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240, telephone (202) 208-2565, fax (202) 501-0549
or E-mail: getinfo@osmre.gov.

OSM news releases and information may be downloaded from OSM's Homepage at:
http://www.osmre.gov.  Frequently requested information about OSM is available 24
hours a day by Fax-on-Demand at:  (202) 219-1703.