Document Negp2Kyqzr146MaQwrq8NYjgp

T i^m em d in g osrntfartes May 10, 2017 The Honorable Scott Pruitt, Director Environmental Protection Agency 1000 Independence Ave. SW Washington DC 20585 Dear Director Pruitt: The Virginia Coal & Energy Alliance and Southern States Energy Board invite you to deliver the Keynote Address at their 38th annual joint conference and exposition, May 22 - 23, 2017 at the Meadowview Convention Center in Kingsport, Tennessee. The theme for this year's meetings is "Coal: Launching a New Era." We want you to be the keynote speaker Monday morning however, if Tuesday is a better day for you that's alright with us. The Virginia Coal & Energy Alliance is an organization dedicated to promoting coal through education and public awareness programs. VCEA has a long and rewarding relationship with the U.S. Department of Energy; the Southern States Energy Board; International Energy Agency's Coal Industry Advisory Board; National Mining Association; National Coal Council, and the many organizations representing coalproducing states and the industry. The Alliance also works with universities and colleges advocating energy education programs. VCEA has partnered with Virginia Tech's Powell River Research & Education Research Center for 23 years, sponsoring a summer energy education program for teachers - "Project Coal & Gas: Production & Usage." The Southern States Energy Board (SSEB) is a non-profit interstate compact organization created in 1960 and established under Public Laws 87-563 and 92-440. The Board's mission is to enhance economic development and the quality of life in the South through innovations in energy and environmental policies, programs and technologies. Sixteen southern states and two territories comprise the membership of SSEB: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia and West Virginia. Each jurisdiction is represented by the governor and a legislator from the House and Senate. A governor serves as the chair and legislators serve as vice-chair and treasurer. Ex-officio non-voting Board members include a federal representative appointed by the President of the United States, the Southern Legislative Conference Energy and Environment Committee Chair and SSEB's executive director, who serves as secretary. The Board has maintained a Regional Committee on Coal Energy Policies and Technologies since 1984, enabling Southern states and industry to input coal R & D, state and federal regulatory policies, clean coal technologies and advanced power systems. SSEB's successful coal-based carbon capture and storage demonstration project at Plant Barry near Mobile, Alabama, is being scaled to commercial level at the new Petra Nova plant in Texas, saving millions of dollars in new technology development. Robert Murray, CEO, Murray Energy, Congressmen Phil Roe and Morgan Griffith were guest speakers at last year's conference event. The meeting usually has 250 plus attendees. In past years, we have had larger crowds however the industry has changed significantly as you are well aware. 6325 Am hurst Court Norcross, GA 30092 PHONE: 770-242-7712 Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 2 P. O. Box 339 Lebanon, VA 24266 PHONE: 276-889-4001 ED 002061 00152530-00001 Director Scott Pruitt May 10, 2017 We have invited speakers representing coal, gas, power, transportation, economic energy analysis, and political leaders, who will address the ever-changing coal/energy industries and the impact on coal communities. A working copy of the program is attached. We would be honored to have you provide the Keynote Address at VCEA and SSEB's 38th annual meeting. Should you need additional information about the organizations, or the past meetings, please do not hesitate to contact the offices of Congressmen Morgan Griffith or Phil Roe to learn more about the Virginia Coal & Energy Alliance and the Southern States Energy Board. We look forward to a favorable response at your earliest convenience. Respectfully, Harry Childress VCEA Barbara Altizer VCEA Kenneth J. Nemeth SSEB 6325 Amhurst Court Norcross, GA 30092 PHONE: 770-242-7712 Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 2 P. O. Box 339 Lebanon, VA 24266 PHONE: 276-889-4001 ED 002061 00152530-00002