WEST VIRGINIA COAL ASSOCIATION

Volume 2, Issue 1 February, 2015

41st Annual Mining Symposium Deemed a Success

Murray, Thrasher, Manchin and Morrisey Among Featured Speakers
MURRAY ADDRESSES ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM: Robert Bob Murray, president, CEO and founder of Murray Energy discusses his vision of the future at the West Virginia Coal Associations Annual Mining Symposium.

DATES TO REMEMBER

MARCH, 2014 8th - Last Day of the 2014 Legislative Session. 25-26th WV Mine Drainage Task Force, Morgantown APRIL, 2014 7-11th CEDAR of Southern West Virginia Regional Coal Fair, Gilbert.

VOICES OF FRIENDS
CHARLESTON -- While closing out the 2014 threeday mining symposium, WVCA Chairman, Jim Laurita, deemed the event a success. Recognizing and thanking the 58 speakers, the vendors and associate members who proudly displayed their products, luncheon sponsors and the 6oo mining professionals who were on hand to hear the states political and industry leaders talk about the state of the coal industry. Laurita observed that the individuals on hand represented all disciplines within the industry (ie. operations, safety, technical) and the basic fabric of our industry. Speakers included Sen. Joe Manchin, a delegation from the West Virginia Legislative Coal Caucus, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor Joe Main, MSHA Director Kevin Stricklin and three MSHA district directors, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Randy Huffman, Office of Miners Health Safety and Training Director Eugene White, and a host of others discussing various mining-related issues. In a keynote address to the West Virginia Coal Associations 41st Annual Mining Symposium held Jan. 29-31 in Charleston, Robert Bob Murray, founder, president, chairman and CEO of Murray Energy Corp., talked about the threats and opportunities he sees ahead for West Virginias and Americas coal industry in the future. Cont. on pg. 2 Coal, as a low cost and reliable source of energy in these emerging and developing countries, is contributing to economic development and improved living standards for the people in these countries, Thrasher X-Coal CEO Ernie Thrasher. Coal remains the worlds most dependable fuel. The EIA says coal will be the dominant form of energy for the next 30 to 40 years. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV). When I took office I pledged to fight federal overreach with every tool in our toolbox. Earlier this week, Obama said he was willing to act without Congress. He has a track record of deciding which laws he would enforce and not a real disregard for the rule of law. WV Attorney General Patrick Morrisey.

Preliminary Final Data for 2013 Shows Decline Continuing for State Coal Production, Employment and Severance
CHARLESTON According to information obtained from the West Virginia Office of Miners Health Safety and Training (OHSMT), coal production and employment in West Virginia is experiencing another year of sharp declines. As of the February 6 reporting period, overall production stood at 119 million tons, with 88 million tons of underground production and 31 million tons of surface production reported. Estimates put total production this year in the 120 million ton range when all reporting is completed. This would be more than about 10 million tons below last years total of 129 million tons and far short of the 2008 preObama production level of 168 million tons, continuing a downtrend that started with Obamas inauguration. Mining employment has also continued to fall. As of Feb, 6, the total number of active miners in West Virginia stood at 19,449, with 14,793 underground and 4,656 surface miners working. This is down from 22,100 total miners in 2012, with 16,641 underground miners and another 5,455 surface miners. Cont. on pg. 2

GET YOUR FOC PLATE TODAY

WV Coal Mine Health & Safety Board Approves New Proximity Detection Rules Package
CHARLESTON -- The West Virginia Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety has unanimously proposed an unprecedented, comprehensive mine safety rule affecting new mining technologies, additional haulage safeguards, worker training, and human performance issues. The proposed rule sets forth a more comprehensive approach to underground haulage accidents by requiring the following: Proximity detection systems on all newly purchased placechange continuous miners by within 6 months following the effective date of the rule and all rebuilt place-change miners within 12 months of the effective date of this rule. Proximity detection systems on all existing place-change continuous miners by within 36 months of the effective date of this rule. Cameras or proximity detection systems on scoop cars and battery-powered section haulage equipment within 36 months of the effective date of this rule. The Office of Miners Health Safety & Training is obligated to visit each mine in the state and to host regional workshops to discuss the new requirements and disseminate information on proximity devices and the use of cameras on underground equipment. Individual machine operators are to ensure their personal safety and the safety of the equipment entrusted to them and others who may be working in the same area of a mine by performing equipment inspections, checking roadways and sounding alarms. A minimum of 100 square inches of reflective or highly visible clothing to be worn by all underground employees. The use of strobe lights, warning cones or extension rods are to be used at hazardous work sites Places a responsibility of the OMHST Director to seek to commence the expeditious approval of extended-cut mining plans with MSHA to reduce instances of unnecessary equipment moves underground. Restates a number of underground haulage safety provisions found in various rules currently in effect (section 13); and, Mine site safety meetings to review the provisions of the rule.

Visit www.friendsofcoal.org and download the application or contact Sandi at the WV Coal Association by calling (304) 342-4153, or via email at sdavison@wvcoal.com for more information on how to apply. The new FOC motorcycle license plates will be available later this year.

Are you a Friend of Coal?

CONNECT ONLINE
You can find out whats happening in the industry and join in the conversation. Friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and view great pictures on Flickr. Visit the following links to tune in, turn on and chime in: Facebook www.facebook.com/friendsofcoal Website: www.friendsofcoal.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/ FriendsofCoalWV Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ friendsofcoal

EPA Re-Proposes New Source Performance Standards for Nations Electric Generation Plants
CHARLESTON On January 8, 2014, EPA re-proposed its New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for regulating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from new fossil fuel-fired power plants using Clean Air Act (CAA) 111(b). 79 Fed. Reg.1430. The notice provides for a 60-day public comment period closing on May 9, 2014. EPA separately noted the rescission of its prior proposal of April 12, 2012 in its entirety. According to sources, it appears that EPA made few substantive changes from the original pre-proposed version released on Sept. 20, 2013. We encourage all members and others to comment about the ridiculous nature of these rules and the impossible standards they set forth. Contact the Association for additional information regarding specific comments to these reproposed rules.

SYMPOSIUM from page 1

In his remarks, Murray was unflinching in his criticism of the Obama Administration and the damage it has done to West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and other coal producing states. Its a human issue to me because I know the names of these miners whose jobs and family livelihoods are being destroyed, Murray said. If they own anything, its their homes, and when the jobs are eliminated in their communities, there is no one to sell their homes to. These are people who want to work in honor and dignity and theyre being denied that. These are my employees. This is not the America that I cherish. Following Murray, X-Coal CEO Ernie Thrasher gave a presentation on the outlook for coal exports. Thrasher said that while the overseas market for American coal was getting tighter, demand for coal was still growing in both Europe and Asia. For a more complete review of the Symposium including photos and winners of our annual environmental and safety awards, check our website at www.wvcoal.com.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW

IF YOUR THINK NATURAL GAS IS CHEAPER THINK AGAIN: On a cost-per-energy unit basis, through November, 2013, the cost of a million Btus generated from Coal averaged $2.35. The cost of a million Btus generated from natural gas cost an average of $4.28. That, is the bottom line; and, is what should be the whole story.

PRODUCTION from page 1

Coal severance collections are also down, standing at approximately $484 million in 2013, down from $531 million in 2012, according to information from the West Virginia Department of Tax and Revenue -- a decline of 9 percent overall. As a result, severance distributions to counties are also off substantially, dropping to $30 million in FY 2013 -- down from $50 milion in FY 2011, for a total decline of 40 percent. These declines in overall severance tax collections and in severance distributions to the counties are creating extremely tight budgets at both the state and local levels -- endangering many key programs, including education, senior services and other peoplehelping programs, many of which are facing increased need as a result of the layoffs of coal miners and the ripple effects throughout the economy, which result in job losses across the board. The coalfield communities and, in fact, communities across the entire state are now feeling the impact of the Obama War on Coal, and it will only get worse unless something is done, said Bill Raney, president of the WVCA.