According to the latest report from the Energy Information Agency (EIA), coal production in the United States rose by 1.7 million tons for the week ending January 31, compared to the same time last year. Production for the week stood at 20.10 million tons compared to 18.40 million tons for the last week of January, 2014.  For the 52-week period ending January 31, production was also up slightly, to 997.13 million tons from 982.24 million tons last year.
This increase was reflected in the number of rail car loadings, which saw an increase of 10.5% for the week over the same period last year. Rail car loadings were up 3.7% for the previous 52 weeks.

A field of business and industry experts spoke briefly about proposed legislation and its impact on West Virginia at the annual West Virginia Press Association’s Legislative Breakfast on Thursday at the Town Center Marriott in Charleston.

Members of the business, labor and industry panel included Chris Hamilton, chairman of the West Virginia Business & Industry Council and Senior Vice President of WV Coal Association; Steve White, director of West Virginia State Building & Construction Trades Council; Corky DeMarco, chairman of West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association; Gaylene Miller, state director of AARP WV.

Catenary Coal Co. Samples Mine wins the Barton B. Lay Milestones of Safety Award

Mine safety is a central focus of West Virginia’s coal industry. During the January 29th session of the 42nd Annual West Virginia Mining Symposium in Charleston, 54 mining and service companies were recognized for their commitment to exemplary safety performance in 2014.  Topping the list of award winners was Catenary Coal Company’s Samples Mine, of Kanawha County, which took home the Barton B. Lay Milestones of Safety Award.

Xinergy Ltd.’s South Fork Coal Company Clearco Preparation Plant in Greenbrier County claimed the state’s top award for environmental stewardship – the Greenlands Award – at the West Virginia Coal Association’s 42st Annual West Virginia Mining Symposium held January 28th-30th in Charleston.

Also during the Symposium, twelve other operations were recognized for their commitment to the environment  as being some of the nation’s top operations.   

West Virginia Coal Association Applauds Quick Action by Legislature in Moving on Repeal

CHARLESTON – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signature on HB 2001 Tuesday officially overturned the state’s  Cap-and –Trade Act that was signed into law in 2009. The West Virginia Coal Association wants to thank the state’s new legislative leadership for its quick work in moving the repeal through both Houses and onto the Governor’s desk.
 
“This clearly shows how much things have changed in Charleston,” said Bill Raney, president of the West Virginia Coal Association. “And this also shows the commitment our Legislature and our Governor have to taking the steps needed to begin getting our state’s coal miners back to work. This is just the first component of that effort, and already it is easy to see this truly is a new day for our state. “