Hughart, the former president of Massey's White Buck Coal Co.

NPR: More Charges May Come In Case Involving Haslams

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

" Another in a hard hat says White House policies are "attacking the coal industry.

MSN: 'War on coal'? Why Obama might not be industry's worst enemy

To be certain, utilities that have long relied on coal are starting to raise the white flag, opting instead to close down some of the older plants that have long been controversial: American Electric Power and FirstEnergy Corp. in Ohio are doing just that.

FORBES: Obama and Romney: Energizing Their Bases by Muddying Coal and Wind

For the coal plant, Higgins has long eyed White Pine County in northeast Nevada, bordering Utah.

FORBES: Lighting Las Vegas

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

On the other hand, coal is likely to be in for a tough time regardless of which party rules the White House and Congress.

FORBES: The President Should Have Called In Sick

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

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