STEWARDSHIP OF THE LAND

Before TXU mined its first ton of lignite coal, the company developed a plan to return mined land to productive use. Since 1971 – seven years before the law required it – TXU has set the standard, especially in Texas, for land reclamation. TXU has reclaimed more than 56,300 acres of mined land since its mining operations began. Lignite coal is an economical and reliable source of fuel for electric power generation. TXU’s success proves that it is possible to mine and reclaim the land in an environmentally sound manner and add value to it in the process.

In 2004, TXU mined 1,549 acres of land and reclaimed more than 2,900 acres while securing bond release on 1,064 acres. During the year, state and federal inspectors spent 266 inspector-days on TXU mine sites. Four notices of violation were issued in 2004, resulting in a compliance ratio of 98.5%. The company took immediate action to resolve the concerns in a timely manner.

Reforestation and Wetlands Mitigation
Since the early 1970s, TXU has been in the forefront of reforestation. The 22 million-plus trees the company has planted, including 1.1 million in 2004, help improve air quality by sequestering CO2, provide valuable wildlife habitat and commercial timber assets, and contribute to the beauty of the area.

As part of its reclamation efforts, TXU also participates in a federal program to create and enhance wetlands. These efforts help mitigate the impact of mining on wetlands and other “waters of the U.S.” To date, TXU has created or enhanced 4,205 acres of wetlands, ponds and stream channels.