Peabody Gets U.S. Court Approval For Clean-Up Deals, Executive Bonuses

"Bankrupt coal company Peabody Energy won U.S. court approval on Wednesday for agreements with three states to partially cover $1.14 billion in potential environmental liabilities and for a bonus plan for its six top executives.

Under the agreements, Wyoming can receive $127 million in cash if Peabody walks away from its mine cleanup obligations in the state while in bankruptcy, while New Mexico would receive $32 million and Indiana would get $17 million.

Until now those liabilities were covered by a federal program known as self-bonding. It allows the largest miners to extract coal without setting aside cash or collateral. The program is currently under review."

Tracy Rucinski and Jim Christie report for Reuters August 17, 2016.

Source: Reuters, 08/18/2016