The campaign for Utah Gov. Gary Herbert deposited $10,000 into the governor's campaign account the same day the governor met with the leaders of the coal mining company who donated the money. It looks as though state regulators sped up the approval process shortly thereafter, but, in a not so surprising move, Governor Herbert's office denies there's any connection.
Alton Coal Development LLC is hoping to begin operating the first strip mine, or surface mine, for coal in Utah. The mine would be a mere10 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park.
Last fall, Alton Coal Development company gave the governor's campaign $10,000. The governor's records show it arrived in the mail Sept. 13, and the campaign office deposited it on Sep. 17. The donation was made public in a Jan. 11 filing by Herbert's political-action committee. That same day, the governor had a private meeting with Alton Coal. The state Division of Oil, Gas and Mining then approved the company's application Oct. 15 -- three months ahead of a deadline set by law. John Baza, the director of Oil, Gas and Mining, attended the meeting with the governor. He says the mining company complained to the governor the approval process was moving too slowly. A memo from staff scientist Priscilla Burton, states that Alton Coal "had an audience with the governor on September 17, 2009, with the result that the permitting process will end on October 15, 2009."
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