The Associated Press story about the anticipated decline of Central Appalachian coal production paints a bleak picture for the future of coal in that region. According to the article, coal production is expected to plummet in the near future, primarily due to depletion of mineable reserves.

The writer cites a 2010 report by Mcllmoil and Hansen of Downstream Strategies, an environmental consulting firm in Morgantown, W.Va., as well as other sources. As a geologist familiar with coal resources in Eastern Kentucky, I wanted to find out more about how Mcllmoil and Hansen arrived at these conclusions.

With so many things (issues) going on with the state and federal governments that affect our everyday operations and with the 2012 Regular Legislative Session beginning in January, the Association is planning to host three regional meetings to discuss legislative, regulatory and political topics. Each of the three regional programs will commence at 3 p.m. and conclude with a “Friends of Coal” reception.  All WV Coal Association members are encouraged to attend the meeting in their area or all three, if you choose.

The first regional meeting will be held on November 16 at the Waterfront Hotel in Morgantown.  The second meeting will be on November 29 at the Charleston Civic Center and the third on November 30 at the Tamarack Conference Center in Beckley.  Please mark your calendars now.  More information and meeting materials will be forthcoming.

Jackson Kelly PLLC has been named the first U.S. News – Best Lawyers Law Firm of the Year in Mining Law.  This is according to the recently-released U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers 2011-2012 “Best Law Firms” rankings.  Jackson Kelly is the only law firm to receive this national recognition in mining law which makes this award a significant achievement.  The firm’s ranking will be featured in U.S. News & World Report’s Money issue, on newsstands November 15, 2011.

CONGRATULATIONS Jackson Kelly – we are proud to have you as members.

The Corridor G Regional Development Authority's 7th Annual Post Mine Land Use Forum is scheduled for Monday, November 14, 2011.  Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m.  The forum will conclude with lunch and a keynote address at approximately 12:30 p.m.  To regisiter for the event, please click here or copy and paste the following address into your browser.

http://www.corridorgrda.com/Events/tabid/59/ctl/EditReg/Mid/396/ItemID/35/d/20111114/Default.aspx

We are pleased to announce that Senator Jay Rockefeller (video appearance) and Senator Joe Manchin, along with Representatives Shelley Moore Capito and David McKinley, will deliver key remarks at a Business Opportunity Session in Charleston, WV on Monday, November 14, 2011 at the Charleston Civic Center.

This Business Opportunity Session, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in collaboration with Teaming to Win.