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STATEMENT ON THE UPPER BIG BRANCH MINE TRAGEDY

The entire membership of the West Virginia Coal Association and Friends of Coal, from throughout West Virginia extend their deepest sympathies and support for the families of those who lost their lives at Montcoal. These miners are part of our family. They are brothers to all of us. This tragedy is felt by all West Virginians, because in a very real sense we are all part of the coal-mining family. It is what we do.

Today, and in the coming weeks, we ask that you join us in praying for those that are injured and certainly praying for the families who lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy. Let this be a time when all of West Virginia comes together to comfort one another. Let us reach out to those that are suffering and help lift their burdens as best our abilities allow us.

STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR MINGO LOGAN COAL Co.’s SUIT AGAINST EPA

EPA action is reckless and arbitrary, shows disregard of impact on people and the economy
 
CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Coal Association supports today’s decision by Mingo Logan Coal Company to file suit against the federal Environmental Protection Agency over its announcement of intent to revoke the permit for the company’s Spruce #1 surface mine in Logan County.
 
“This decision by EPA is reckless and arbitrary,” said West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney. “It establishes a very dangerous precedent in that it reneges on an already approved permit, something that has never been done previously. In doing so it brings into question the reliability of the entire permitting process and shows an arrogant disregard for the impacts this will have on the state’s economy and its people. We fully support Mingo Logan’s actions to compel EPA to respect the law and follow its own regulations.”

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WV Coal Festival

The 17th Annual West Virginia Coal Festival begins in Madison, WV on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 6 p.m. and will end at approximately 11 p.m. on June 19th.  Patriot Coal Corp. will be sponsoring the Mining Equipment Display which will be available during these times.

Coal Mine Surveying & Mapping Seminar

The 6th Edition of the Basic & Advanced Topics in Coal Mine Surveying & Mapping Seminar will be held April 22 & 23 at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center in Beckley, West Virginia.  The Seminars are sponsored by Alpha Engineering Services and will be using new, updated and requested topics from previous seminars, material on MSHA interpretations and recent court decisions.  For additional and/or registration information contact Ellen at Alpha Engineering: 304-255-4131 or Gary Hartsog at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Friends of Coal Auto Fair

The 7th Annual Friends of Coal Auto Fair is set for July 16 – 18 at the YMCA Paul Cline Memorial Youth Sports Complex in Beckley, WV.  Friday, July 16 will begin the Fair with the Cruise-In to uptown Beckley for the Renaissance Car Show and live entertainment by former American Idol contestant and Beckley native, Robbie Carrico.  Saturday will have the Live in Concert by The Charlie Daniels Band and Taylor Made, with special appearances by The Gold Knights Army Parachute Team and FOC spokesmen Coach Nehlen, Coach Pruett and BassMaster Jeremy Starks.  Tickets ($15.00 advance & $20.00 day of show) for the Concert will go on sale May 1st at select WV & VA Marquee Cinemas and the Beckley-Raleigh County YMCA.

TVMI April Meeting

The April Tug Valley Mining Institute meeting  will be held on April 29th in conjunction with CEDAR’s Southern West Virginia Regional Coal Fair.  A Safety Panel with Tony Bumbico, Arch VP of Safety, John M. Gallick, Alpha VP Safety & Health, Elizabeth Chamberlin, Massey VP of Safety & Training and Lou Barletta, Consol’s VP of Safety will be the program.  The meeting will be held at the Harless Center in Gilbert, WV

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Opens

The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine has reopened for the season.  Visitors listen to first-hand accounts from the veteran miners, and because each guide’s experience is different, each tour is different.  In addition to experiencing a bit of life underground, visitors can tour the historical coal camp above-ground, which features the Company Store, Coal Company House, Superintendent’s Home, Pemberton Coal Camp church and the Helen Coal Camp School.  The mine is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  For more information, call 304-256-1747 or visit www.beckleymine.com

EPA Releases New Plan to Restrict Mining

EPA today released a new plan (comprehensive guidance) regarding the review and approval of mining related permitting applications under Section 404 and 402 of the federal clean water act.  Attached below is the press release and link to relevant guidance documents from EPA.  The Association is working feverishly to understand the parameters and application ramifications of the new guidance documents.  We are also fully examining all possible legal and regulatory actions to address this new action from EPA.  Further information will be provided to the membership as it is developed.

New Members Approved by Board

The Board of Directors at its last meeting approved the membership of the following Associate members:  BBU Services of WV with Darren Carnefix as their representative; Caudill Seed Company with Donnie Roe representing; Demand Response Partners (DRP) with Andy Dorn and Greg Stevens; and, Longview Power, LLC represented by Charlie Huguenard.  We welcome each of the new members and look forward to meeting each of the representatives and working with them in the future.
  1. Photographing America's Coal Miners
  2. WVCoal Thank You 2010
  3. The West Virginia Legislature stands up for Spruce Miners – Urges agency not to Veto Spruce Mine Permit
  4. IL Backsmith Group Needs Sewell Coal Supply
  5. A Litle Light Info

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