Who We Are
The Conference of Government Mining Attorneys, Incorporated (COGMA) promotes the exchange of ideas among attorneys and agency executives employed by various state and federal government agencies that implement and enforce surface coal-mining laws and other laws associated therewith. COGMA primarily focuses on fostering its members’ understanding of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C. §§ 1201-1328 (SMCRA). For that purpose, COGMA creates an annual program whereby federal and state attorneys practicing in the area of surface coal mining law, and related natural resource areas of law and disciplines, can assemble and be educated on topics related to SMCRA. Driven by this mission, the annual educational program is fully staffed, on a volunteer basis, by COGMA members or experts in the areas of surface mining law or related environmental laws.
Executive Committee
Molly Corey, Chair (chair@cogmaconference.org)
John Henson, Co-Chair (cochair@cogmaconference.org)
Amy Oakes, Secretary (secretary@cogmaconference.org)
Brandon Wells, Treasurer (treasurer@cogmaconference.org)
Ruth Hamilton Heese, Chair Ex-Officio (chairexofficio@cogmaconference.org)
Planning Committee
The executive committee, along with any interested members, holds periodic telephone conferences to determine what topics will be placed on the conference agenda and who will make presentations. If you are interested in participating on the planning committee, please provide your contact information using this link: 📜
Previous Conference Locations
| 2024 December 12 | Virtual Meeting |
| 2023 September 19-21 | Breckenridge (Beaver Run Resort) |
| 2022 September 29 | Virtual Meeting |
| 2021 August 31 - 1 | Virtual Meeting |
| 2020 Cancelled | Austin |
| 2019 September 24-26 | Charleston (Embassy Suites) |
| 2018 September 11-13 | Park City (Marriott) |
| 2017 September 12-14 | Roanoke (Hotel Roanoke) |
| 2016 September 20-22 | Santa Fe (LaFonda on the Plaza) |
| 2015 September 14-17 | Louisville (Galt House) |
| 2014 September 15-18 | Golden (Golden Hotel) |
| 2013 Postponed | Golden |
| 2012 September 18-20 | Knoxville (Hilton) |
| 2011 September 14-15 | Columbus (Hyatt - Arena Dist.) |
| 2010 September 21-23 | Pittsburgh (Greentree Radisson) |
| 2009 Postponed | Pittsburgh |
| 2008 September 23-25 | Charleston (Marriott) |
| 2007 September 25-27 | Oklahoma City (Hotel Skirvin) |
| 2006 October 25-27 | Lexington (Hyatt Regency) |
| 2005 August 29-31 | Annapolis (Lowes) |
| 2004 September 22-24 | Denver (Embassy Suites) |
| 2003 September 17-19 | Knoxville (Hilton) |
| 2002 September 18-20 | Columbus (Great Southern) |
| 2001 September 5-7 | Pittsburgh (Hilton) |
| 2000 October 11-13 | Salt Lake City (Marriott) |
| 1999 October 13-15 | Lexington (Hyatt Regency) |
| 1998 September 9-11 | New Orleans (La Pavillon) |
| 1997 September 22-24 | Charleston (Marriott) |
| 1996 September 10-12 | Indianapolis (Radisson) |
| 1995 September 12-14 | Saint Louis (Emassy Suites) |
| 1994 September 27-29 | Annapolis (Marriott Waterfront) |
| 1993 September 21-23 | Columbus (Convention Center) |
| 1992 August 18-19 | Pittsburgh (Vista International) |
| 1991 March 26-27 | Knoxville (Marriott) |
| 1990 Cancelled | |
| 1989 October 10-12 | Huntsville (Hilton & Towers) |
| 1988 October 12-14 | Columbus (Holiday Inn - Ohio Center) |
| 1987 September 16-18 | Pittsburgh (Vista International) |
| 1986 June 1-3 | Lexington (Radisson) |
| 1985 June 3-4 | Pittsburgh (Westin - William Penn) |
| 1984 June 4-6 | Indianapolis (Airport Hilton) |