On January 23, 2012, a federal judge denied a motion by anti-mining groups to add a NEPA-based health effects claim to a pending challenge to a "fill" permit issued by the Corps of Engineers. In Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, et al. v. U.S. Army Corps, et al., Civil Action No. 3:11-0149 (S.D. W.Va. 2012), Doc. No. 84 ("Order"), the Court ruled that the proposed additional claim was "futile." This case involves a challenge to a permit issued by the Corps of Engineers under Clean Water Act § 404 permit for Highland Mining Company's Reylas Surface Mine located in Logan County, West Virginia.

According to the EIA’s weekly energy report, domestic coal production continues to trend slightly upward, rising approximately 0.2 percent for the 52 weeks ending January 14, with a total of 1.08 billion tons produced for the period. The nation’s coal mines produced 21.1 million tons for the week of January 7-14. The number of rail cars loaded also increased, by 3.2 percent, from 133 thousand cars to 137 thousand.

Metallurgical coal exports continued to lead the way, up 54 percent from this time last year. However, export steam coal sales slumped, down 13 percent.

In West Virginia, coal production continued to be up slightly as measured year over year, up 0.5 percent, on production of 136 million tons for the 52 weeks ending January 14. Last year’s production total was 133 million tons. Northern West Virginia coal production led the way, increasing 1.9 percent for the period, while production in the southern West Virginia coalfields fell 0.1 percent.

The 2011 edition of Coal Facts is now available at the offices of the West Virginia Coal Association. The annual publication features an overview of key coal production, employment, distribution, consumption and tax data for both West Virginia and the nation. It also features reclamation and restoration of former mine land, post-mine land use, overviews of the history of coal in our state and the permitting process. Copies will be in the mail shortly and can be picked up at the WV Coal Association offices in Charleston.

The deadline for filing candidacy papers for the May 8^th West Virginia Primary Election is tomorrow and the field for various races is becoming clear. In the Presidential race, GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney has filed along with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Tea Party favorite Ron Paul. As of the last report, former Senator Rick Santorum has not filed. On the Democrat side, President Barack Obama has filed along with Keith Judd, a little known candidate from Texas.

Senator Joe Manchin has filed to run for a full six year term, going up against former Del. Sheirl Fletcher for the Democrat nomination. Manchin’s opponent in last year’s special election, John R. Raese has also filed, setting up a potential rematch.

An exhibit at WVU is shining a light on an aspect of coal mining history.  It's called ‘Defying Darkness' and it chronicles how coal miners lit their work in dozens of displays.  The University said it didn't have to look far to find all of the artifacts.  The exhibit is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the Mineral Resources Building.