coal

Volk questions some of those expenses, including a one-night hotel stay costing $982, and wants them to respond by Dec. 13.

A spokesman for the Navajo Transitional Energy Company says he can't comment because the bond negotiations are active.

Those fees amount to about 1% of the bond total, or about $1 million annually, Harbage said.

In the past, the United Mine Workers of America has accused McConnell of blocking pension and health benefits for miners.

Monday's change would loosen some of the requirements for cleaning up the waste streams from coal-fired power plants.

The department is reviewing the ruling and expects to work with others to see if they will appeal, department spokesman Keith Guille said Wednesday.

The companies expect to save $120 million a year over the first 10 years of working together.

Several other major coal producers have filed for bankruptcy protection this year, including Blackjewel Mining in West Virginia and Cloud Peak Energy in Wyoming.

State officials said they were optimistic on reaching a deal with the Navajo Transitional Energy Company.

Utility companies increasingly are turning to cheaper natural gas and increasingly affordable renewable energy to generate electricity.