Recent News
West Virginia Coal Association and Friends of Coal Thank WVU and Marshall for Honoring Coal Miners
WVU’s “Coal Rush” Uniform Honors West Virginia Miners
West Virginia Coal Association Applauds Senator Capito for the Introduction of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026

OSM Releases Impoundment Oversight Reports

WV DEP to Issue Orders Requiring Additional Information
Yesterday the federal Office of Surface Mining released an oversight evaluation of coal refuse impoundments in West Virginia. Referred to as the Phase III report, the oversight initiative focused on the potential for impoundment breakthroughs into adjacent underground mine works and the conversion of impoundments into coal slurry cells. The oversight report is a continuation of an effort that started in 2001. The report that was released yesterday, through a press conference, contains programmatic recommendations for application across the industry and 15 site specific technical evaluations of individual facilities. In response to the programmatic findings, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection will require all impoundment operators to supply additional information and analysis regarding the breakthrough potential of existing operations. The orders will require the information to be submitted at mid-term review or permit renewal, whichever occurs first. The OSM Phase III oversight report is available at: http://www.arcc.osmre.gov/FOs/CHFO/Reports/EY2012-WV-TS-FI-CoalSlurryBreakthroughPotentialPhaseIII-010913.pdf

Rockefeller Will Not Run

U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller announced this morning in Charleston that he will not seek re-election to the Senate in 2014. At the end of his current term Rockefeller will have been in public service in WV for more than 50 years. He’s served in the House of Delegates, as Secretary of State, Governor and U.S. Senator. Last month, Second District Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito announced she will run for that U.S. Senate seat.

Legislative Receptions

The Hawks Nest Room has been reserved for company sponsored legislative receptions during the upcoming legislative sessions. A few of the companies have already committed, but there are still a few dates open: March 14 & 26; April 2 & 9. If you have an interest in sponsoring a reception (which are usually very well attended) please contact Sandi (304) 342-4153 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions or concerns.

New Members

On a conference call of the Board of Directors last week, the following new members were approved for Associate membership.

Astralloy Steel Products a Nucor Company with Jonathan Gillium as their representative;

Cargotec USA, Inc., represented by Randy Shifler; and, Peoples Insurance Agency represented by Christopher Clarke.

Welcome to each of our new members and we look forward to working with you in the coming years.

FOC Ladies Need Assistance

Christmas is over, some meant to send or have let it slip their minds but the FOC Ladies Auxiliary needs to receive their checks for the "Giving Hearts Project". This project has not been fully funded for the year, so if you would please get your contributions into the Auxiliary, it would certainly be appreciated.

Ninety families was the total for this year with many mothers and/or fathers who are or have been deployed militarily seeking help for their families. Numerous families in Mercer, Fayette, Webster, Wyoming, Kanawha, and Raleigh are included in this number.

FOC Ladies Auxiliary is a 501- C- 3 Non-Profit Organization - FEIN #27-3379290.

PO Box 1109, Beckley, WV 25802-1109. (304) 252.1457 Ext. 20.

Image

Join Friends of Coal

Be part of West Virginia's coal industry future. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more prosperous Mountain State by supporting our miners and communities.
Learn More About FOC