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Details: May 22, 2013

According to new projections from the U.S. Energy Information Agency, coal will continue to regain market share in electricity generation as its competitive position with natural gas continues to improve.

According to the report, coal generated at least 40 percent of U.S. electricity from November of last year through March, taking a clear lead over natural gas, which a year ago had equaled coal but which is losing some appeal as its cost rises.

Details: May 22, 2013

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin officially signed HB 2579, commonly referred to as the Selenium Bill into law during a Wednesday afternoon ceremony at the Capitol, Below, Governor Tomblin, surrounded by Senators and Delegates who were instrumental in assisting the passage of House Bill 2579, signs the bill into law. This significant legislation is intended to help protect jobs in our industry.

This bill was approved by 133 of the 134 members of the entire Legislature, because there was one member absent the day the bill was passed. This important bill changes the practices and protocols for monitoring discharges with the objective of collecting meaningful and accurate data that will prompt the development of a more realistic standard for selenium, particularly in situations with flowing water. The existing standard was developed in standing water situations outside West Virginia. The bill takes effect on July 12, 2013.

Details: May 16, 2013

In our continuing partnership with the WV Secondary Schools Activities Commission (SSAC) we have the opportunity to present the State Championship and Runners-up trophies to the final two teams and/or individuals in the championship events for each of the three classes (A, AA, AAA) in each sport. The individuals on each team also receive a Friends of Coal plaque to commemorate their and their team's achievements. We encourage our members to participate in these presentations and the remaining events include the following. Several members have already indicated their interest in participating and are noted in parenthesis. Please let Sandi know (304-342-4153) (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you or any of your employees would have an interest in participating·

· SOFTBALL (May 22-23) Vienna, Jackson Park

· BASEBALL (May 30-June 1) Charleston, Appalachian Power Park

Details: May 16, 2013

The 2013 Friends of Coal Auto Fair is set for July 19-21^st at the YMCA Paul Cline Memorial Sports Complex in Beckley, WV. More than 50,000 people from all over the country are expected throughout the weekend to take in the car show, carnival rides, live music, special performance, surprise guests and festival food. Sponsorship opportunities are available and more up-to-date information can be accessed by visiting: www.friendsofcoalautofair.com

Details: May 16, 2013

The first Legislative Monthly Interim Meetings will be held in Charleston from May 20-22. The following link will provide the schedule for this month’s meetings as well as the membership for the various Interim Committees. Click here for the general schedule and committee makeup: http://www.legis.state.wv.us/committees/interims/intcomsched.cfm.

The June Interim Meetings will be held in Wheeling, the State’s first capitol, where West Virginia’s 150th Birthday will be commemorated.

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