Over 17 years it has built seven plants (five others are in construction) nationwide and has become quite nimble at navigating the permit process. (It's easier to get approvals if you're a private company than if you're a public utility.) In 2004 LS filed a proposal to build a 1, 600-megawatt, supercritical pulverized-coal plant in White Pine.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The adviser also says that the White House believes that economic conditions, namely the shale gas boom, make regulating coal-fired power plants more feasible.

FORBES: White House Appears Ready To Take On Coal Plants

In meetings in recent days, representatives of electric power utilities that rely heavily on coal-fired plants, and some large unions, have taken their concerns to the White House.

WSJ: EPA Tangles With New Critic: Labor

From the Bush White House, they're talking about large-scale technology: oil and gas, nuclear power plants and clean coal research, which will cost billions of dollars and will take years.

FORBES: Byron Kennard

The White Springs, West Virginia, resort declared bankruptcy in 2009, and new owner Jim Justice, a local coal-and-agriculture baron, is trying to bring the 6, 750-acre property into the modern era of luxury--and extend its appeal beyond a graying demographic.

FORBES: Head 2 Head