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

The Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary thanks its many volunteers and supporters who have contributed to our cause. April 19-25 was National Volunteers week, as you know. How many of you reading this article will ask yourself “why volunteer?”.

Part of being a great volunteer is caring deeply about an issue and spreading that passion to others. Join the Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary and become a positive influence for coal, declare your dedication, connect with your community and find personal satisfaction.

Second District Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito will join U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell in his home state Monday fora  major announcement about coal.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in the this week struck down the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) 2007 issuance of nationwide permit (NWP) 21 as violating the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The 2007 version of NWP 21 authorized in-stream activities related to surface coal mining activities.  The Corps programmatically reissued NWP 21 in 2012, placing limits on the range of activities that could qualify for authorization under its terms and conditions. In its programmatic reissuance of NWP 21, the Corps allowed operations previously-permitted under the 2007 version to be “re-certified” and continue work for up to five years since the activities would not qualify for NWP 21 authorization under the restrictions contained in the 2012 version of the permit.  The Sixth Circuit ruling overturns a district court decision and invalidates the 2007 NWP 21, including the five-year reauthorization or “grace period” provided by the Corps for the completion of activities. The court invalidated the Corps’ issuance of the 2007 NWP 21 as arbitrary and capricious but stayed the ruling for 60 days to allow for an assessment of the ramifications of the ruling on existing projects and consideration of potential remedies.  We are still reviewing the decision and discussing its application to NWP 21s outside of the Sixth Circuit’s jurisdiction.  For a copy of the decision, contact jbostic@wvcoal.com

Governor Tomblin’s Chief of Staff Rob Alsop has given his resignation, effective in June, to spend more time with his family.  Rob has been a friend to the industry and Association staff and we wish him the very best in whatever his next endeavor may be.  He will be missed, but he will be ably replaced by Charles Lorensen, currently the Secretary of Revenue and Acting State Tax Commissioner.