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2009 Longwall USA Awards and SME Luncheon

By Shane Perry (2007 J.T Boyd Young Engineer Award Winner)

In conjunction with the 2009 Longwall USA conference held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA, the SME Pittsburgh Section co-hosted the Longwall USA awards luncheon on June 17, 2009. This event attracted over 100 mining industry professionals and students as well as members from mining regulatory/research agencies and academia. Mining Media, Inc., the sponsor of Longwall USA, takes this opportunity to recognize high performing U.S. longwall faces.

The keynote presentation was given by SME-member Kurt Kost, President, COO, and CEO and of Foundation Coal Holdings, Inc., the nation’s fourth largest coal company based on tons produced. His presentation, entitled “Climate Change: Engaging for a Positive Influence", discussed potential mining industry options for responding to climate change initiatives. In particular, Mr. Kost referenced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recent findings (April 17, 2009) that atmospheric concentrations of CO2 and methane endanger human health and the environment. The findings imply that strict EPA rules for regulating greenhouse gases from the burning of coal for power generation are in the offing. The EPA has initiated the process of regulating CO2 and other greenhouse gasses under the authority granted to the agency under the Clean Air Act. EPA’s rule-making may negatively impact US economic growth without meaningfully improving environmental and health benefits.

Concurrently, the U.S. Congress is also fashioning climate change legislation. Mr. Kost’s central point was that coal producers, electricity generators, industrial users and other consumers become politically engaged to positively influence America’s approach to climate change. His presentation expressed the opinion that industry should participate in the legislation drafting process in order to prevent or minimize economic damage to the industry and the nation as a whole. Mr. Kost suggested that participation in legislation was crucial because business has a much greater influence on legislators than with career regulators in the EPA. Refusing to participate in the political process can only result in poor outcomes: either the EPA takes action on its own, or the Congress passes a bill with no protections built-in for the energy and raw materials industries.

The SME Pittsburgh Section would like to thank Steve Fiscor (Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Mining Media, Inc.) and the Longwall USA planning committee for their leadership and assistance in making this meeting a successful endeavor.  For more information about the SME Pittsburgh Section activities, upcoming events, and membership information, please visit www.smepittsburgh.org.