Associated Press Published

Environmental Regulators Don't Approve of Patriot Coal's Bankruptcy Plan

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Ohio and Pennsylvania regulators say Patriot Coal’s reorganization plan doesn’t adequately address the company’s obligations to clean up mine pollution.

Both states opposed the plan’s approval in separate motions filed this week in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Richmond, Virginia.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says the plan would leave Patriot Coal with little ability to address environmental problems and reclaim land following operations at the Sunnyhill Mine Complex. The department’s motion says the company also won’t be able to prevent or repair any future problems.

The Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources says the plan doesn’t adequately establish how an affiliate, Eastern Associated Coal, will meet its environmental obligations for two closed underground mines.

Scott Depot, West Virginia-based Patriot Coal filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on May 12.