This time the unfavorable forecast comes from the president of the National Mining Association in a speech given to the West Virginia Coal Assocation today.

Read how much he expects production will drop in BusinessWeek.

This sentiment was expressed at an editorial board session where West Virginia lawmakers voiced their support for the coal industry.

Read about it at the West Virginia Coal Association.

The preliminary agenda for the the 36th annual West Virginia Mining Symposium can be found on the West Virginia Coal Association website.  The event is scheduled to start February 18th and will run through February 20th.