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By Margaret N. Maxey

For the past quarter century, it is fair to say that the political agenda of Western industrialized societies has been driven by those opposed to forms of economic growth providing sustenance to a growing population. They regard growth as the major threat to their social philosophy which champions a wholly "new ethic of biocentric equality" or "living as if Nature mattered." This ethic demands that "a violent, plundering humankind" must abandon its alleged rape of Planet Earth and derive its ethical norms from pre-existing harmonies and fragile, precarious balance present in Nature. A Green political agenda appeals strongly to deep longings shared among many people whose temperament seeks tranquillity in a world of wild natural beauty uncluttered by dependency on tools and experts and specialists. According to proponents of the Green philosophy, our world is pregnant with enormous problems. Armed with expanded political powers, regulatory guardians at state and local levels have mustered their forces with shotguns cocked, poised to prod an ignorant and lazy citizenry to the altar for an exchange of vows with Environmental Ethics. Social engineers have skillfully discredited the traditional role of professionals in scientific engineering who are summarily dismissed as the failed architects of an industrial system pillaging the earth. They stand accused of producing unmanageable offspring - from mining minerals and energy resources to disposing of toxic wastes - whose disputed parentage and expectant crimes against humanity must be prevented by removing them from normal custody. Green critics claim that markets cannot be given custody of industrial offspring - pollutants, wastes, land-use abuses. Markets appear to have failed to provide equity to present and future generations. The only custodian with sufficient coercive power seems to be the regulatory bureaucracy. The upshot is a stark Hobson's choice - Shotgun Wedding vs. Custody Dispute. It derives its fateful predestination from an uncritical acceptance of several preconceptions which currently undergird the altar of Sustainability characterized by its acolytes as "a new and exciting doctrine." It is significant that Limits to Growth slogans of the 1970s have been displaced in the 1990s by the more palatable language of Sustainability. As a policy recommended to forestall an impending doom, Sustainability derives its credibility from dire predictions of global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain and the like. The Rio Declaration announced to the world in June 1992 that, although energy is essential to human well-being, its production and consumption in wealthy industrialized nations is unsustainable. It called for a complete overhaul of energy systems with nothing short of a total replacement of fossil fuels, uranium fission reactors, and large hydroelectric projects by means of so-called renewable energy sources, augmented by coercive regulations to force conservation and limit consumption demands. The social and political consequences of such a sweeping

Jan 1, 1995

The final session of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute was called to order by retiring President, A. Z. Dimitroff. The report of the Auditing Committee was given by E. C. Horne, Acting Chairman of that committee. Motion was made by Dock Schloss that the report he accepted; seconded and carried. Oren Bridwell, Chairman of the Resolutions Committee, gave the following report: Resolved: That the members of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute in convention assembled, hereby ratify and confirm all official actions of the officers, the Executive Committee and other committees of the Institute between June 29, 1960, and the present time.

Jan 1, 1961

PRESIDENT HERRES: Our ses¬sions this afternoon will be on safety. They will be under the direction of Mr. Dan Harrington, who has come here from Washington, D. C., particularly to preside at these meetings. I do not think Mr. Harrington needs any introduction to anyone present. He is a member of both the A. I. M. E., and the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute, and has been for a great many years. The Rocky Mountain District is his old stamping ground. I take pleasure in turning the meeting over to Mr. Harrington. (Ap¬plause.) DAN HARRINGTON (Chief Engineer, Safety Division, U. S. Bureau of Mines, Washington, D. C.): Gentlemen, I suppose you have rather a long program, so there is no necessity for any introductory remarks. Inasmuch as I have rather a long-winded paper of my own, I presume the best thing I can do is to go ahead and read it. Mr. Herres asked me some time ago if I would preside here, and also have a paper, or at least have something to say to the Institute on safety. I thought it best to put whatever I had to say in written form, so I would know exactly what I had said and so I would be able to, if necessary, defend it later on.

Jan 1, 1929

The Forty-Sixth Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining institute convened at the Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, June 19, 1950, at 10:00 a. m., G. E. Sorenson, President, presiding. PRESIDENT SORENSON: The meeting will come to order, gentlemen. I note from the program here this morning that you were supposed to have an address by the president. I can assure you, gentlemen, that the president is not going to make an address, so you don't need to squirm in your chairs. I do want to say it's certainly a pleasure to be here. I am sorry that I wasn't here last year. Apparently my absence lent consent, and I think it would be a good warning to every member of the organization to be here for all the meetings for your own protection! It's always a pleasure to be here and meet again with some of our old friends and meet a lot of new ones. It always interests me at these meetings to meet with the rugged individuals that operate the coal industry. They have to be rugged; they couldn't be any other type of men and live in it. I also know that it takes a good rugged man to fight this game nowadays. I feel that the men who operate the coal industry are fighting a battle against socialism. You all know we are the first industry they have their eyes on. If they take over our industry, they will take over everything else.

Jan 1, 1950

By Bill Reid

Jan 1, 2007

Jan 1, 2004

By Steve Leer

Pick then introduced the convention keynote speaker, Steven Leer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arch Coal. Following the morning coffee break, Pick introduced Howard Goodman to present the Fourth Annual Safety Awards. [ ]

Jan 1, 2001

By Huston H. Watt

During recent years the designing of mine cars has become a very highly specialized art. Mechanical methods of mining, constantly increasing speeds of transportation and thin seams of coal have made it absolutely essential to develop low cars of maximum capacity. The producer of coal from thick seams, because of mechanical mining, which he is already employing or con- templating adopting, is now as much interested in low cars of high capacity, as is the thin seam operator. The mine car builder has been alert to this trend and is equipped with a specially trained corps of engineers and salesmen, who receive the necessary information from the producer and develop therefrom a suitable car design to fulfill the conditions.

Jan 1, 1931

resident Schloss called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. Bob Dean, manager of the Hotel Colorado, gave a brief explanation of hotel policies governing the swimming pool, and also extended an invitation to the Institute to return in 1963, and stated that the dates June 30 through July 3 were available for next year. He also stated that June 28 through July 1 were available for 1964. He felt that holding the convention during the 4th was not good policy, and that dates prior to or following the 4th would make for better attendance. John A. Reeves, chairman of the Resolutions Committee presented the following resolutions: RESOLVED: That the members of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute in convention assembled, hereby ratify and confirm all official actions of the officers, the Executive Committee and other committees of the Institute between June 28, 1961, and the present time.

Jan 1, 1962

By Wm. H. Woodhead

Improved methods of mining have accompanied the introduction of mechanical loading, of which there are a great many varieties, but this multiplicity of mining brings new problems and greatly increases the importance of managing over a few years ago. Few mines operating today have been opened with the intention of mechanizing throughout. The problem of mechanization is to change over a mine heretofore operated by hand methods and to select machinery that will fit the old system with the least number of changes, the aim being not to disrupt or to completely change the original plan. The organization of mechanical and electrical forces is a problem in mechanical loading, and each individual mine presents its own problems. Plans which may succeed in one mine may fail in another and upon the management rests the responsibility of deciding the best method in each case.

Jan 1, 1930

By M. H. Forester

The Bituminous Coal Industry has for the past year been faced with a most serious problem. I am sure that you have had your own individual and local problems, as do we all. In my thirty years of practical experience with coal mining, I have never found an operating man nor a coal mine without problems. The very nature of mining, with so many unknown factors involved, precludes the absence of problems. But they are not insurmountable, and one should not dwell on them interminably. They should be recognized as a challenge to our ability and ingenuity to solve them, and once the proper solution is found, it should be applied and the problem dismissed. However, we find ourselves at the moment in the midst of a serious challenge to our very existence. In the early thirties, many in the industry welcomed the re-establishment of Unionism as a balance wheel, in the belief that the stabilization of wage scales would also stabilize prices and eliminate disastrous price cutting practices. The ultimate effects of having twenty-six years of benevolent paternalism in the administrative branches of Federal and State Governments with their labor courting policies, could hardly have been anticipated. And so with wages spiralling under government sponsorship, we have finally reached the point where competitive fuels, such as natural gas and oil are more attractive to the consumer, from the economic angle of cents per BTU cost, than coal.

Jan 1, 1953

By Richard M. Whiting

Thank you very much for that introduction. I spent part of my early career in the coal industry here in Colorado, and I am always happy to return. In such a beautiful setting, it seems out of place to talk about "Improving the Climate". But in our work-a-day worlds, we know the climate for the coal industry is something less than picture perfect. But unlike Mother Nature's climate, there are some things we can do about the climate for coal. Today, I want to talk to you about sonic of the activities that we are engaged in... and that you can support... to improve that climate. A number of challenges and opportunities face our industry. I will try to set the stage for this conference by briefly describing the current climate for coal - which is indeed very challenging. I will then outline some of the steps we are taking to broaden our base to include our allies in the rail and electricity industries and the public at large.

Jan 1, 2000

By Chris Curfman

Sustaining Business in a Rapidly Changing Environment Topics: ?Sustainability @ Caterpillar ?Workforce Management ?Regulatory Environment & the Reality of living in a Carbon Constrained World

Jan 1, 2008

The Annual Business Meeting of the members of The Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute held during the 83rd Regular Meeting of the Institute was called to order by the president, Bernard Bernstrom at 2:50 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 1987 in the Janss Auditorium of the Snowmass Conference Center in Snowmass Village, Colorado. Thirty-one were present and a quorum was established. The president outlined the purpose of the meeting was to inform the members of the status of the affairs and activities of the corporation during the preceding year. It was moved by Leon Jeannot, seconded and carried to approve the minutes as published in the 1986 Proceedings. The chair called for reports of the various committees and these reports will by placed on file in the RMCMI Office. Bylaws and Resolutions. Chairman Loren V. Linville reported there were no bylaws revisions. He further reported that the Board had adopted three resolutions: (1) Noting the passing of members since the last convention-Benton Boyd, E. A. Hare, E. S. Moran, Jr. and Edward Prostel. (2) Of appreciation to the Executive Secretary, officers, chairman, Diamond Jubilee chairman and committees and convention committees for an outstanding job in preparing for the 83rd Regular Meeting of the Institute. (3) To recommend to all RMCMI members that, on an individual basis, they each oppose replacing coal fired generation with natural gas generation. Membership. Chairman Leon Jeannot reported that at the beginning of the 1986 fiscal year, there were 881 active or dues-paying members. During the year, 219 members were dropped for a variety of reasons such as non-payment of dues, transfer, employed elsewhere, change of address. Ninety-six new members have been recruited for an active total of 758. In addition there are 55 Life Members, 20 senior members, six scholarship winners and seven supporters for a net total of 846. The budget of RMCMI calls for 1,000 active members and we must address and plan for those short-term prospects as they will certainly impact our membership. A full report is on file in the RMCMI office. Patrons of the Institute. Chairman Ira McKeever reported that only 59 Patrons renewed their support during 1986-87. Program. Chairman Bill Balaz announced that the convention program theme "This is OUR Life", as presented in "Past", "Present" and "Future" segments was very well received. He called for additional helpers another year and suggested that next year's program format be changed to a hard hitting one. Publicity. Chairman Tom Egan reported that of the three newsletters sent members during the year, that the most effective one was the newspaper format one and recommended its use next year. RMCMI hired Bob Jacob who heads his own public relations firm to solicit advertising for the Proceedings on a contract/ commission basis. He attended the convention for this purpose and to solicit business card ads. A full report is on file in the RMCMI office. Scholarship. Chairman Keith McGinnis reported that five of the six scholarship recipients were present at the convention. Each was introduced to the membership at the Tuesday morning Scholarship Breakfast, presented a plaque and responded. The input from each winner was most favorable to the program. Each was appreciative of the many contacts made and the educational seminars and programs. The selection process started in March and was completed in May, except for one university which had difficulty in providing a candidate. It is suggested that the initial contact with the institutions be made in December and completed by April 1. This year, for the first time, three of the six universities were visited for the purpose of interviewing the candidates. They were Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. A very positive feedback was received from these schools and it is recommended that the practice continue. CONVENTION COMMITTEES Convention Arrangements. Doris Finnie presented the following report: As a professional meeting planner, this Diamond Jubilee convention was indeed a great challenge. One meal was added to the package and thus increased the individual cost. Snowmass Resort Association is unique in that they utilize a conference coordinator who acts as the middle man between myself and the usual persons we deal with, like AV personnel, the chef, the banquet director, the steak fry personnel, the Sunday tour etc. so the office had to become creative. For instance, we learned early on we could not deal with the local florists. It cost us lots less to buy our flowers wholesale in Denver, have my husband drive them up and our West Virginia daughter to arrange them! But, finally her floral arrangement class at CSU paid off! This was truly a Finnie family orchestrated convention. Our Lakewood daughter acted as Scholar-

Jan 1, 1987

Past President Ralph Moore opended the meeting at 9:30 a.m. He thanked all the committees for their part in making the 1977 meeting the success is was. He then turned the meeting over to President-elect, Shirl McArthur. President McArthur called on the Auditing Committee to present its report. Gabe Ishley, Chairman, read the report and asked that it be approved. A motion was made, seconded and carried. Loren Linville gave his report on registration and new members which figures are in the Monday a.m. business meeting of the Proceedings. The Resolutions Committee was asked to give its report. William Bear, Chairman, submitted the following: (1) RESOLVED: WHEREAS, in the year since the last convention of The Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute, the Institute and the coal mining industry have suffered the loss through death of the services of: John A. Garcia John B. Huehes H. B. Lindeman Richard B. Miller Charles Pliley Wilford Ruff James Westfield

Jan 1, 1977

By Christopher Blazek

Presentation Overview ?2005 Train Derailments ?BNSF Investigation and Remediation ?BNSF Test Program ?Test Results ?BNSF Dust Control Goals ?National Coal Transportation Study ?Comparison of Different Topper Agents ?What Constitutes a Topper Program

Jan 1, 2008

[ATZ, Inc. American Mining Congress Anaconda Minerals Company Andalex Resources, Inc Arapahoe Energy Consultants Atlas Powder Co Becor Western Inc. Mr & Mrs. Bernard Bernstrom Black Beauty Resouces British Mining Consultants (USA) Limited]

Jan 1, 1988

Jan 1, 1968

ARTICLE I - General Section 1. Name. The name of the corporation shall be The Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute. Section 2. Objects and Purposes. The objects and purposes of The Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute and the nature of the business to be carried on by it are as follows: (a) To sponsor educational programs pertaining to coal mining technologies and production techniques, mining management and safety, federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to coal mining, and other energy related issues. (b) To disseminate to the public and to educational and scientific institutions knowledge, and the results of study and research into recent developments in coal mining technologies and production techniques, mining management and safety, federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to coal mining, and other energy related issues. (c) To do and engage in all lawful activities that further or are consistent with the preceding objects and purposes of the corporation. Section 3. Nonprofit Corporation. This corporation shall operate as a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the State of Colorado. ARTICLE 11- Principal Office and Corporate Seal Section. 1. Principal Office. The principal office and place of business of the corporation in the State of Colorado shall be in the County of Jefferson, Colorado, or at such other location as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. Other offices and places of business may be established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors. Section 2. Corporate Seal. The seal of the corporation shall be inscribed with the name of the corporation, the year of its incorporation, and the words "Colorado" and "Seal," and shall be in a form approved by the Board of Directors, which may alter the same at pleasure. ARTICLE III - Members Section 1. Classes. The membership of the corporation shall be divided into three classes, consisting of active members, life members, and senior members, who shall have such rights, privileges, and qualifications as these bylaws may provide. Section 2. Qualifications. The members of the corporation shall have the following qualifications: (a) Any individual interested in the goals and purposes of the corporation may become an active member of the corporation upon payment of such annual dues as the Board of Directors may determine from time to time by resolution. (b) An individual who has devoted long and dedicated service to the corporation and to its goals and purposes may become a life member of the corporation upon being elected to that status by the Board of Directors, and such individual shall retain such status for life. (c) An individual who has been at any time an active member of the corporation and who has reached 70 years of age may become a senior member upon payment of such annual dues as the Board of

Jan 1, 1994

The final session of the meeting was preceded by a movie, "Contact That Kills," which was a color film clearly pointing out various causes of electrical accidents in mines and how such accidents could he prevented. This film was made underground and produced by the U. S. Bureau of Mines for use in teaching accident classes. President R. R. Williams, Jr., called the meeting to order and introduced Mr. Leif Arentzen of the Lee-Norse Company, Charleroi, Pennsylvania, who spoke on "Coal Mining in Australia." The text of his address is as follows: "I arrived in Australia in February of this year-my father sent me over there for an installation. He preceded me as he does in most things, and set up a showing of our machine in Australia. We had 200 of the top level coal mining men visit this showing. They were interested in what the Americans are doing and what the American manufacturer had to offer them. Conditions in Australia are very similar to our mining conditions in the United States and they have looked to us, the coal industry in general, because we have the know-how in answering some of their problems. They feel that European methods and their type of machines are too inadequate to cope with their conditions. My visit was to South Wales, 60 miles south of Sidney. Their mining operation resembled mining coal in Florida. The work is on about a 500-ft. elevation about three miles from the ocean and when you turn around and see about 30 miles of beach, it is quite a picture - the Pacific Ocean is so blue. The coal seam is about ten feet of relatively clean coal. Labor relations are very, very taught right now. They are agitated by a strong Communistic influence and their weekly publication is known as the ?Common Cause,? which is against mechanization of coal mines." Mr. Arentzen enlarged on the fact that America was the example they held before them and described the Australian coal men and their character.

Jan 1, 1959