The Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) announced September 17^th that it extended the public comment period for its recent civil penalty regulation amendment proposal to December 3, 2014.  The comment period was originally scheduled to end September 26^th.

MSHA also published a notice in the October 1^st Federal Register extending the deadline in its request for information on “Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines,” and giving until April 2, 2015. The extension is now on file at the Federal Register at https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection. 

The deadline for registering to vote in the November general election is October 14, 2014, one week from this coming Tuesday. This is also the deadline for citizens to change their address or switch political parties. To check your registration or to download a registration form, visit the West Virginia Secretary of State’s website at http://www.sos.wv.gov/elections/voterinformation/VoterRegistration/Pages/default.aspx/

The Association’s Board of Directors has endorsed Congressional and legislative candidates (shown below) for the November 4, 2014 General Election. Please note the endorsed candidates representing the districts where you reside or have operations and please support their candidacy, however best you can. Also, we encourage you to share these endorsements with your employees, families and friends as these candidates need all the votes possible. Please call if you have questions or need more information.

Capito, McKinley, Jenkins and Mooney Represent Best Future for State’s Coal Jobs

CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Coal Association is endorsing current 2nd District Rep. Shelley Capito in the race for the U.S. Senate seat of retiring Sen. Jay Rockefeller. The Association is also endorsing Rep. David McKinley for re-election in the 1st District, Alex Mooney for the 2nd District and State Senator Evan Jenkins for the 3rd District congressional races in the upcoming November general elections.

These endorsements reflect the stark difference between the Democrat and Republican energy initiatives being advanced in Washington – a difference measured in miles. We believe the Republican leadership in Washington has focused on preserving our coal industry and the energy security it provides, as represented by Capito, McKinley, Jenkins and Mooney, is more consistent with a wise energy plan for our nation.

Miners, community members and others connected with the state's coal mining industry will gather at Tamarack in Beckley on Thursday, October 2^nd, for the 2014 Miners' Celebration, a gala reception and dinner to celebrate the past, present and future of West Virginia's coal mining enterprise.  According to organizers, the purpose of the annual event is to recognize those who play a role in the success of the state's mining enterprise.