CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- From chaining themselves to the doors at the Department of Environmental Protection to telling passersby not to drink the "coalfield Kool-Aid," opponents of surface mining have called for one thing each time -- a new head of the DEP.

Randy Huffman is the head of the West Virginia DEP.

WSAZ.com sat down with Huffman this week and asked him what he'd like to say to his critics, as well as if he thought he should resign.

"Well, no, I don't have any intention of resigning," Huffman said. "I often think about this, and you know, if your work -- if your work is not being criticized and is not being consistently judged, you have to ask yourself the question is it really worth doing?

Huffman says, "There is a tremendous upside to the controversy, if you will."

Huffman and critics agree the DEP's role is vital, although finding common ground on subjects where there are fundamental differences is far from easy.

"Surface mining is a destructive process, Huffman says. "I will not deny that and I don't think anyone will deny that, and if it weren't for the need for the affordable energy that comes from surface mining, we wouldn't want to do it. "

Secretary Huffman's background is in mine reclamation. He's been accused of standing up for coal rather than keeping a close-watch on the environment.

In August, four protesters chained themselves to the lobby door at the DEP. It was at that rally a man held a sign that read, "Hey Randy, How much did King Coal pay for your soul?"

"When people express their opinions, regardless of whatever radical means they choose to express those opinions, it's a good thing," Huffman said. "The first thing you need to know is that I am pro West Virginia, and I will never apologize for that."

Huffman has seen the criticism of his predecessors. He witnessed it in 2003 when then Secretary Stephanie Timmermeyer came under fire for issues regarding mountaintop mining.

The same is true for former director Mike Castle. Like Huffman, lawsuits were filed against Castle, alleging surface mining regulations were lax.

Huffman says, "Our regulatory programs, we don't have to play second fiddle to anyone. We are taking care of our environment, and we are doing a lot of good things that aren't getting noticed by the people who are being critical of the agency everyday."

Huffman takes pride in knowing his organization has completed 33,000 inspections in the last 12 months, issued 3,500 notices of violation and $10 million in penalties.

"That's a lot of work that is going on in the midst of all the noise about coal mining," he said.

As for the work he's doing or the calls for his resignation, he said, "I intend to do the best job I can for however long I am here. Two days after I am gone, they will forget my name."