A. As used in this article, "public uses" means the mining, production, or marketing of coal for the purpose of providing and furnishing heat or power to the people of the Commonwealth.
B. Any person engaged in the business of the mining, production, or marketing of coal, any portion of which is customarily used in the manufacture of heat or power, is hereby declared to be engaged in a business essential to the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the Commonwealth. Under the conditions and in the manner set forth in this article, such business may be seized and operated by the Commonwealth, or any agency created and organized for such purpose, for public uses.
Code 1950, § 45-145; 1950, p. 29; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-145, 45.1-146; 1994, c. 28, §§ 45.1-161.312, 45.1-161.313; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 45.2 - Mines, Minerals, and Energy
Chapter 6 - Coal Mining Property, Interests, Adjacent Owners, and Dams
§ 45.2-600. Consent required before working mine near land of another
§ 45.2-601. Adjacent owner to be permitted to survey mine; proceedings to compel entry for survey
§ 45.2-602. Petition to establish a trust for missing coal owners
§ 45.2-603. Advertisement upon filing of petition
§ 45.2-604. Court may declare trust; trustee sale of lease
§ 45.2-605. Duty of trustee; sale of lease; distribution of funds
§ 45.2-606. Payment of attorney fees, expenses, and court costs
§ 45.2-609. Interruption of public uses; proclamation of emergency; seizure
§ 45.2-610. Additional powers of Governor to operate seized properties
§ 45.2-612. Negotiating purchase or lease of coal properties
§ 45.2-613. Proceedings for condemnation
§ 45.2-614. Expense of acquiring and operating coal property; funds derived from operation
§ 45.2-615. Restoration of property to owner or operator