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Proven Environmentalist to Guide National Coal Corporation's Expanding Environmental Policy

Posted on: Tuesday, 3 August 2004, 06:00 CDT

Bill Johnston, an innovative ecological expert with extensive experience in reforestation research, wetland mitigation, invasive plant research and environmental health and safety planning has been named environmental director for National Coal Corporation (OTCBB:NLCP), which mines and produces coal on 70,000 acres of land in East Tennessee.

Most recently, Johnston served as an ecological advisor consulting for various federal and state agencies, such as the EPA, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory on invasive plant and forest research, wetland mitigation and other ecological assessments.

At National Coal, Johnston will be responsible for the direct formulation and maintenance of the Company's environmental policy and mission statement, while communicating with government organizations concerning ecological regulations and trends. He will also seek additional community friendly partnership opportunities, such as the Company's current reforestation research project with the University of Tennessee, as well as interfacing with environmental activist groups.

"Our goal is to become an active part of the environmental and conservation community," said Jon Nix, president and CEO of National Coal Corporation. "We want to create and seek opportunities that benefit our company, as well as, various environmental organizations, and Bill will help us tremendously in that effort."

Johnston began his environmental career in the mid 1970s as an environmental researcher where his analysis included the effects of air pollutants, design and performance testing of pollutant exposure facilities and resource conservation in energy crop production.

Beginning in the late 1980s, Johnston served in various management positions for the Hazardous Waste Remedial Actions Program (HAZWRAP), including program manager, project manager and business area leader. At HAZWRAP for nearly 10 years, Johnston was responsible for their Air National Guard and Massachusetts Military Reservation Installation Restoration Programs where he managed field investigation, health and safety planning, communication and coordination with regulatory agencies, as well as all technical and financial aspects of his multi-staffed team.

"Bill is a career professional in environment conservation with a strong background in research and project management. He is the perfect fit for this essential position," continued Nix.

Johnston is a graduate of North Carolina State University where he studied conservation and received his Masters Degree in botany. He is also a published author on the topics of old-field vegetation, wetland mitigation and environmental sustainability among others.

About National Coal

Formed in January 2003, National Coal Corporation owns the coal mineral rights, and is currently mining and producing coal, on approximately 70,000 acres in Eastern Tennessee.

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