But in the bankruptcy cases, West Virginia has been pressuring the industrys lenders to share more of the responsibility for mine reclamation and water remediation, arguing that they exert great influence, if not outright control in some cases, over the bankrupt mining companies.
Still, figuring out who holds the industrys debt can involve a cat-and-mouse game. Earlier this year, Alpha denied knowing the identity, or the holdings, of its so-called first-lien lenders, which are in line to be paid before many other creditors, according to a court filing.
So Mr. Barrett subpoenaed Citicorp, the agent for the first-lien lenders in the case, asking for the names.
It took Citi more than 30 days to respond to the states subpoena, the cou…
Read the full article at: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/07/business/dealbook/regulators-fear-1-billion-coal-cleanup-bill.html