Coal and Energy Research Bureau

(CERB)

DEPARTMENT OF MINING ENGINEERING

365 MINERAL RESOURCES BUILDING
MINING ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND MINERAL RESOURCES
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
P. O. BOX 6070
MORGANTOWN, WV 26506-6070
TEL: (304) 293-7680
FAX: (304) 293-5708

INTRODUCTION

In 1998 the State of West Virginia Legislature recreated, with the assistance of West Virginia Coal Association and West Virginia Mining and Reclamation Association, the Coal and Energy Research Bureau (H.B. 4564) and defined its objectives, membership and funding.

OBJECTIVES

1. Development of new, safer and more economical ways to mine, transport and use coal, consider environmental problems created through the use and production of coal,

2. Develop new uses and markets for coal, other energy fuels and allied minerals,

3. Develop greater efficiency and conservation in the mining and mineral industries, and make such tests and investigations as may be required by the Office of Miner’s Health, Safety and Training in the prosecution of its work, and

4. Conduct such experiments, tests and activities as will promote the development of the mineral industries in the state.

MEMBERSHIP

The Bureau shall advise and counsel with West Virginia University concerning the programs of the Coal and Energy Research Bureau (CERB) and make recommendations to the university of West Virginia Board of Trustees, the Governor and the Legislature concerning the support of the programs of the Coal and Energy Research Bureau.

The Bureau shall consist of nine appointed members:

1. The chairperson of the Bureau shall be the chairperson of the Dept. of Mining Engineering, West Virginia University. Currently Dr. Syd S. Peng,

2. The director of the National Research Center for Coal and Energy, WVU. Currently, Dr. Richard Bajura.

3. The director of the National Mine Land Reclamation Center, WVU. Currently Dr. Paul Ziemkiewicz.

4. The president of West Virginia University or his/her designee. Currently Dr. David Satterfield, chief of staff, has been appointed by President Hardesty as his designee.

5. Union representative. Currently Mr. Bob Phalen, President of UMWA District 17, Charleston, WV.

6. Coal industry representative. Currently Dr. Doug Dahl, retired President of Eastern Associated Coal Corp. Charleston, WV.

7. Senate President’s appointee. Currently Mr. Mike Oliverio, State Senator,

8. House Speaker’s appointee. Currently Mr. Eutace Frederick, House of Delegate, and

9. Governor’s appointee. Currently Mr. Bill Raney, President of West Virginia Coal Association.

 

FUNDING

Annual funding for CERB is provided by the West Virginia Legislature in a line item ranging from $150,000 to 300,000.

Current Research Activities