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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A


Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)

of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934


Filed by the Registrantþ

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Check the appropriate box:


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Preliminary Proxy Statement

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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)14a-6(e)(2))

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Definitive Proxy Statement

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Definitive Additional Materials

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o

Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12


Westmoreland Coal Company

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)


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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

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WESTMORELAND COAL COMPANY
2nd Floor

2 North Cascade Avenue,
2nd Floor

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903


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March 29, 2010


NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS


To TheWestmoreland Stockholders:


The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Westmoreland Coal Company will be held at the Corporate Offices of Westmoreland Coal Company,our corporate offices located at 2 North Cascade Avenue, 2nd Floor, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80903 on Thursday, May 15, 200820, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time, for the following purposes:


1.

The election by the holders of Common Stock of twofour directors to the Board of Directors to serve for a one-year term;


2.

The election by the holders of Series A Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock, each share of which is represented by four Depositary Shares, of two additional directors to the Board of Directors to serve for a one-year term;


3.

The ratification of the appointment by the Audit Committee of Ernst & Young LLP as principal independent auditor for fiscal year 2010; and


4.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof.


Only stockholders of record at the close of business on April 4, 2008March 26, 2010 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting and any postponement or adjournment of the meeting. The proxy statement that follows contains more detailed information as to the actions proposed to be taken.

thereof.


YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, we hope you will vote as soon as possible. You may vote by proxy over the Internet or by telephone, or, if you received paper copies of the proxy materials, you can also vote by mail by following the instructions on the proxy card or voting instruction card. Voting over the Internet, by telephone or by written proxy or voting instruction card will ensure your representation at the annual meeting regardless of whether you attend in person.


This proxy statement, the annual report to stockholders and the proxy voter card are being mailed on or about March 29, 2010.

PLEASE SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON.
Diane S. Jones
Diane S. Jones
Vice President, Corporate Relations


By Order of the Board of Directors,


/s/ Morris W. Kegley


Morris W. Kegley

General Counsel and Secretary



IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

 FOR THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 20, 2010.


This notice, the accompanying proxy statement and Westmoreland Coal Company’s Annual Report to stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 are available atwww.proxyvote.com.




PROXY STATEMENT


Table of Contents


April 16, 2008

www.westmoreland.com

Page


PROXY STATEMENT
Table of Contents

General Information about the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Page

1

Questions and Answers about the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

1

General Information

Directors, Director Nominee and Executive Officers

1

4

Corporate Governance

5

Director Compensation for 2009

9

Beneficial Ownership of Securities

11

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

12

Equity Compensation Plan Information

12

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

12

Executive Compensation for 2009

21

Certain Transactions

25

Auditors

25

Proposal 1 — Election of Directors by the Holders of Common Stock

3

27

Proposal 2 — Election of Directors by the Holders of Series A Preferred Stock

5

27

Corporate Governance

Proposal 3 — Ratification of Principal Independent Auditor

6

27

Beneficial Ownership of Securities

Miscellaneous

11
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance14
Equity Compensation Plan Information15
Executive Officers17
Compensation Discussion and Analysis18
Executive Compensation25
Director Compensation36
Compensation and Benefits Committee Report37
Certain Transactions38
Audit Committee Report41
Auditors42
Proposals of Stockholders for 2009 Annual Meeting43

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WESTMORELAND COAL COMPANY
2nd Floor

2 North Cascade Avenue,
2nd Floor

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903

April 16, 2008


PROXY STATEMENT

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To be held May 20, 2010



GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2010 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
The enclosed


This proxy statement is solicited on behalf ofbeing furnished by the Board of Directors of Westmoreland Coal Company a Delaware corporation (“Westmoreland” orto holders of our common stock and depositary shares in connection with the “Company”), for usesolicitation by the Board of Directors of proxies to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Westmoreland Coal Company to be held at our corporate offices located at 2 North Cascade Avenue, 2nd Floor, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80903 on Thursday, May 15, 2008.20, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and this proxy statement.


This proxy statement and the enclosed proxy voter card relating to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders are first being mailed and made available to stockholders on our website on or about March 29, 2010.  As of March 26, 2010, the record date, members of Westmoreland Coal Company’s management and directors are the record and beneficial owners of a total of 267,853 shares (approximately 2.5%) of Westmoreland Coal Company’s outstanding common stock and 7,850 (approximately 1.2%) of Westmoreland Coal Company’s outstanding depositary shares.  It is management’s intention to vote all of its shares in favor of each matter to be considered by the stockholders.


QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE 2010 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS


Who can vote at the meeting?


Only stockholders who owned our common stock or depositary shares, each of which represents one quarter of a share of Series A Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value (“depositary shares”) of record at the close of business on March 26, 2010 are entitled to vote. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote per share. Each holder of depositary shares is entitled to one vote per share. The common stock and depositary shares will vote separately on Proposal No. 1 (only common) and Proposal No. 2 (only depositary), but will vote together as a single class on Proposal No. 3. There were 10,619,309 shares of common stock and 640,515 depositary shares outstanding on March 26, 2010.


What constitutes a quorum for the meeting?


The holders of a majority of the aggregate voting power of the common stock and depositary shares outstanding on the record date, present in person or by proxy at the meeting, shall constitute a quorum to conduct business at the meeting. Abstentions and “broker non-votes” (shares held by a broker or nominee that does not have discretionary authority to vote on a particular matter and has not received voting instructions from its client) are counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business at the annual meeting.


How do I vote?


·

Via the Internet at www.proxyvote.com; 

·

By phone at 1-800-690-6903; or 

·

By completing and mailing in a paper proxy card.


If your shares are registered directly in your name with Computershare Trust Company, our transfer agent, you are considered a stockholder of record with respect to those shares and the proxy card and voting instructions have been sent directly to you by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. If, like most stockholders, you hold your shares in “street name” through a stockbroker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in your own name, you may not vote your shares in person at the meeting without obtaining authorization from your stockbroker, bank or other nominee, and you need to submit voting instructions to your stockbroker, bank or other nominee in order to cast your vote.  Generally, you will receive instructions from your stockbroker, bank or other nominee that you must follow in order to have your shares voted.


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We encourage you to register your vote via the Internet. If you attend the meeting, you may also submit your vote in person and any votes that you previously submitted – whether via the Internet, by phone or by mail – will be superseded by the vote that you cast at the meeting. Whether your proxy is submitted by the Internet, by phone or by mail, if it is properly completed and submitted and if you do not revoke ait prior to the meeting, your shares will be voted at the meeting in the manner set forth in this proxy statement or as otherwise specified by you.


Can I change my vote after I return my proxy card?


Yes. Even after you have submitted your proxy card, you may change your vote at any time before its exercisethe proxy is exercised by either filing with our Secretary a written notice to the Secretary of the Company, by executing and deliveringrevocation or a duly executed proxy withcard bearing a later date or by voting in person at the meeting. AttendanceThe powers of the proxy holders will be suspended if you attend the meeting in person and so request. However, attendance at the meeting will not, by itself, causerevoke a previously granted proxy. If you want to change or revoke your proxy and you hold your shares in “street name,” contact your broker or the nominee that holds your shares. Any written notice of revocation sent to us must include the stockholder’s name and must be received prior to the meeting to be effective.


What vote is required to approve each item?


The election of directors (Proposals 1 and 2) requires that each director receive the affirmative vote of a plurality of the proxy.votes cast with respect to that director at the annual meeting. This means that, with respect to each Proposal, the nominees who receive the largest number of “FOR” votes cast will be elected.  Neither broker non-votes nor abstentions will have any effect on the election of directors.  The Company will pay the expenseaffirmative vote of this solicitation. This proxy statement and the enclosed proxy were first sent toall stockholders, having a majority of the Companyvotes present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter, are necessary to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP (Proposal 3). Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against this proposal.  Cumulative voting is not permitted for any of the proposals included in this proxy statement.


How are broker non-votes treated? What is the effect of not casting my vote?


Morris W. Kegley and Jennifer S. Grafton were named by our Board of Directors (the “Board”) as proxy holders. They will vote all proxies, or about April 16, 2008.record an abstention or withholding, in accordance with the directions on the proxy. If no contrary direction is given, the shares will be voted as recommended by the Board. If you hold your shares in street name through a stockbroker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in your own name, your broker or nominee is not permitted to exercise voting discretion with respect to the election of directors. If you do not give your broker or nominee specific instructions, your shares will not be voted on this matter. As brokers may vote on the ratification of our auditors, shares represented by such “broker non-votes” will be voted in favor of Proposal 3.


If you hold your shares in street name, it is critical that you cast your vote if you want it to count in the election of directors (Proposals 1 and 2). In the past, if you held your shares in street name and you did not indicate how you wanted your shares voted in the election of directors, your bank or broker was allowed to vote those shares on your behalf in the election of directors as they felt appropriate.  However, recent changes in stock exchange rules removed the ability of your bank or broker to vote your uninstructed shares in the election of directors on a discretionary basis. Thus, if you hold your shares in street name and you do not instruct your bank or broker how to vote in the election of directors, no votes will be cast on your behalf. Your bank or broker will, however, continue to have discretion to vote any uninstructed shares on the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public acc ounting firm (Proposal 3).


How are you handling solicitation of votes?


The accompanying proxy is solicited on behalf of our Board. In addition to solicitations by mail, the Company’sour directors, officers, and employees may solicit proxies by telephone,e-mail facsimile, and personal interview, but will receive no additional compensation for doing so. The CompanyWe will also request brokerage houses, custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries to forward copies of the proxy material to those persons for whom they hold shares and request instructions for voting the proxies. The CompanyWe will reimburse those brokerage houses and other persons for their reasonable expenses for such services.

Stockholders


Do I have any rights of record at the close of business on April 4, 2008 (“record date”) will beappraisal?


Under Delaware law, stockholders are not entitled to votedissenters’ rights on any proposal referred to herein.


Where can I find the voting results of the meeting?


We will announce preliminary general voting results at the meeting and any postponementpublish final detailed voting results on a Form 8-K that we will file within four business days after the meeting.


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How do I submit a stockholder proposal for the 2011 annual meeting?


Any proposal that a stockholder wishes to be considered for inclusion in our proxy statement and proxy card for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2011 Annual Meeting”) must be submitted to the Secretary at our offices, 2 North Cascade Avenue, 2nd Floor, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903, no later than December 7, 2010. In addition, such proposals must comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


If a stockholder wishes to present a proposal before the 2011 Annual Meeting, but does not wish to have the proposal considered for inclusion in our proxy statement and proxy card, such stockholder must give written notice to the Secretary at the address noted above. The Secretary must receive such notice no earlier than January 21, 2011 and no later than February 20, 2011, and the stockholder must comply with the provisions of our bylaws.


Does the Company offer an opportunity to receive future proxy materials electronically?


Yes. If you are a stockholder of record or adjournmenta member of the meeting. On401(k) plan, you may, if you wish, receive future proxy statements and annual reports online rather than receiving proxy materials in paper form. If you elect this feature, you will receive an e-mail message notifying you when the record date, the Company had outstanding 9,456,865 shares of Common Stockmaterials are available, along with a par valueweb address for viewing the materials and instructions for voting by telephone or on the Internet. If you have more than one account, you may receive separate e-mail notifications for each account.You may sign up for electronic delivery in two ways:


·

If you vote online, you may sign up for electronic delivery at that time; or

·

You may sign up at any time by visitinghttp://enroll.icsdelivery.com/wlb.


If you received this proxy statement electronically, you do not need to do anything to continue receiving proxy materials electronically in the future. If you hold your shares in a brokerage account, you may also have the opportunity to receive proxy materials electronically. Please follow the instructions of $2.50 per shareyour broker.


How can I get electronic access to the proxy materials and 640,515 Depositary Shares (eachthe annual report?


This proxy statement and our 2009 Annual Report are available atwww.proxyvote.com.


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Table of which represents one quarterContents


DIRECTORS, DIRECTOR NOMINEE AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS


Name

Age

Director/ Executive Officer Since

Position


Keith E. Alessi

55

2007

Director; President and Chief Executive Officer

Thomas J. Coffey

57

2000

Director –Independent

Michael R. D’Appolonia

61

2008

Director– Independent

Richard M. Klingaman

74

2006

Director– Independent

William M. Stern

64

2000

Director– Independent

Frank T. Vicino Jr.

46

Nominee

Director Nominee– Independent

Morris W. Kegley

62

2007

General Counsel and Secretary

Todd A. Myers

46

2002

Vice President of Coal Sales

John V. O’Laughlin

59

2005

Vice President of Coal Operations

Kevin A. Paprzycki

39

2008

Chief Financial Officer


Director Information


All our directors bring to our Board a wealth of leadership experience derived from their service as executives of corporations. Certain individual qualifications and skills of our directors that contribute to the Board’s effectiveness as a whole are described in the following paragraphs.


Keith E. Alessi currently serves as a director and our President and Chief Executive Officer.  Since he began working for us in 2007, he has assumed various roles including Executive Chairman and Interim President and Interim Chief Executive Officer.  In addition to his work with us, Mr. Alessi has been an adjunct lecturer at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan since March 2002.  Prior to Westmoreland, Mr. Alessi was Chief Executive Officer of Lifestyle Improvement Centers, LLC from April 2003 to May 2006. Mr. Alessi currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Town Sports International Holdings, Inc., H&E Equipment Services, Inc. and MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc.


Mr. Alessi’s wealth of experience in turnaround management, including his roles as Vice-Chairman of Farm Fresh and Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Hewitt and Telespectrum Worldwide, Inc., gives him unique insights into the hurdles, challenges and opportunities we face and provides him the necessary leadership experience to lead us during this integral transition period.  In addition, Mr. Alessi has extensive public company board experience, including chairing numerous audit committees and serving on compensation, corporate governance and nominating committees.


Thomas J. Coffeyhas been a Partner of B2B CFO Partners, LLC, a professional financial services organization, since 2005.  Prior to 2005, Mr. Coffey was Vice President-Finance, Global Infrastructure Services from 1999 to 2005 and Vice President-Operations Analysis from 1998 to 1999 of Unisys Corporation, a technology services company.


Mr. Coffey has over 25 years of financial and operational management experience working with both public and private companies. He has served as the Chief Financial Officer of a sharepublic company, worldwide divisional Chief Financial Officer of Series A Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stocka global technology company and a Partner with a par valueBig 4 accounting firm.  His extensive experience is invaluable to our Board’s responsibility for financial and accounting issues.


Michael R. D’Appolonia is President and Chief Executive Officer of $1.00 per share).

Kinetic Systems, Inc., a global provider of process and mechanical solutions to the electronics, solar and biopharmaceutical industries. From 1986 to 2006, Mr. D’Appolonia was President of Nightingale & Associates, LLC, a global management consulting firm providing financial and operational restructuring services. Mr. D’Appolonia is a member of the board of directors of Exide Technologies, Inc.  In addition, he was a member of the board of directors of The Common StockWashington Group International, Inc. from 2001 to 2007.


Mr. D’Appolonia’s experience as Chief Executive Officer of a large global organization brings to our Board the perspective of a leader facing the same set of current external economic, social and governance issues.  In addition, Mr. D’Appolonia brings to the Series A Preferred Stock constitute allBoard an extensive knowledge of the construction industry and alternative energy solutions, including solar power and storage solutions for solar and wind energy. Mr. D’Appolonia also has extensive public company board experience, including chairing a compensation committee and serving on audit, corporate governance and nominating committees.


Richard M. Klingaman has been a consultant to the natural resources and energy industries since May 1992.  Prior to consulting, Mr. Klingaman was a senior executive with Penn Virginia Corporation, a natural resources company specializing in coal, oil, natural gas, timber, lime and limestone.


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Mr. Klingaman’s decades of experience in the mining and energy industries, including as Senior Vice President of a large natural resources company, provides him with an intimate knowledge of our operations and our industry. In addition, he brings knowledge of coal by-products and non-aqueous coal beneficiation techniques.


William M. Sternhas been Executive Vice President of Stern Brothers & Company, a broker-dealer since 1999, and has been employed in various capacities, including as a senior executive, in the banking industry for several decades.


Mr. Stern’s current leadership of a broker-dealer, past senior management experience with various banking organizations and expertise in financial markets and financial analysis is valuable to our Board’s discussions and oversight of the Company’s voting securities. Undercapital and liquidity needs. In addition, Mr. Stern vice-chaired the CertificateEquity Committee during the Fremont General Company bankruptcy.


Frank T. Vicino, Jr.is the President of Designation governingF. Vicino Drywall Inc. and F. Vicino and Co. Inc., contracting and construction companies located in South Florida.


Mr. Vicino is the Series A Preferred Stock, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to vote on any matter on which the holders of Common Stock are entitled to vote, except that, when six or more quarterly dividends are accumulated and unpaid — as is presently the case — the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock do not vote with the holders of Common Stock for the election of directors and instead vote separately to elect two directors.FOR THIS REASON, ONLY HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK WILL BE PERMITTED TO VOTE ON PROPOSAL 1 AND ONLY HOLDERS OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK WILL BE PERMITTED TO VOTE ON PROPOSAL 2.We refer to the candidates nominated for election by the holderslargest individual shareholder of our Common Stock as the Common Stockholder Nominees and the candidates nominated for election by the holders of our Series A Preferred Stock as the Depositary Stockholder Nominees.

Holders of Depositary Shares vote with respect to Proposal 2 by instructing the depositary either to vote the Series A Preferred Stock for director nominees or to withhold votes from director nominees. Because each share of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to four votes, and because each share of Series A Preferred Stock is represented by four Depositary Shares, we occasionally speak in this proxy statement as if each Depositary Share voted directly and had one vote.
Separate proxy cards are being sent to holders of Common Stock and to holders of Depositary Shares. If you hold only shares of Common Stock, you will be sent only the proxy card for holders of Common Stock. If you hold only Depositary Shares, you will be sent only the proxy card for holders of Depositary Shares. If you own both Common Stock and Depositary Shares, you will be sent both proxy cards and you should complete both proxy cards if you wish to vote your respective interests in both the Common Stock and Depositary Shares.


A stockholder may, with respect to the election of directors for which such stockholder is entitled to vote: (i) vote for the election of all named director nominees, (ii) withhold authority to vote for all named director nominees, or (iii) vote for the election of all named director nominees other than any nominee(s) with respect to whom the stockholder withholds authority to vote by so indicating in the appropriate space on the proxy card. Duly executed and un-revoked proxies received by the Company prior to the Annual Meeting will be voted in accordance with the stockholders’ specifications marked thereon.
A quorum is necessary to hold a valid meeting of stockholders. If stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority in voting power of the shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting are present in person or by proxy, a quorum will exist for purposes of electing the nominees for the Board of Directors. Shares owned by the Company are not voted at the Annual Meeting and are not counted in determining whether a quorum is present. Shares that abstain from voting on any matter (“abstentions”) and shares held in “street name” by brokers or nominees who indicate on their proxies that they do not have discretionary authority to vote such shares as to a particular matter (“broker non-votes”) will be counted as shares present for determining whether a quorum is present. In order to assure the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting, please complete, sign, and date the enclosed proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person.
The Company’s bylaws provide that directors shall be elected by the affirmative votes of a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or by proxy at a meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present and entitled to vote on the election of directors. As a result, withholding authority to vote for a director nominee and broker non-votes with respect to the election of directors will not affect the outcome of the election of directors.


2


PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS BY THE HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors has recommended that the two individuals named below be nominated for election as directors. The Board of Directors has approved such recommendation and directed that the two individuals named below be designated as nominees for the Board of Directors. Each of the nominees is now a director of the Company. Each person elected at the annual meeting shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders, or until his death, resignation, or removal, if earlier.
The Board has chosen to nominate two individuals for election by the holders of our Common Stock. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee continues to evaluate candidates who might be added to the Board, but the Board’s attention has been focused on the completion of the restatement of the Company’s financial statements for 2006 and prior years and the filing of the Company’s annual report for 2007. With the restatement now complete and the annual report now filed, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee intends to seek additional candidates, consider potential directors using the process described below under “Corporate Governance — Director Candidate Nomination Process”, and recommend for appointment to the Board appropriate individuals who collectively have the mix of skills, experience, and knowledge that will assure that the Board can continue to fulfill its responsibilities.
In March 2008, we sold $15 million of Senior Secured Convertible Notes to Tontine Capital Partners, L.P. and Tontine Partners, L.P. (together with their affiliates, “Tontine”). Pursuant to the Senior Secured Convertible Note Purchase Agreement dated March 4, 2008, Tontine has the right to designate two individuals for election to our Board of Directors who are reasonably acceptable to the Board. The Company has been notified that Tontine plans to designate at least one person to the Board prior to year-end.
The persons named in the proxy card intend to vote for the election of the Common Stockholder Nominees named below. Each Common Stockholder Nominee has consented to being named and to serve if elected. If any Common Stockholder Nominee should decline or be unable to serve, the persons named in the proxy will vote for the election of such substitute nominee as shall have been recommended by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and designated by the Board of Directors. The Company has no reason to believe that any Common Stockholder Nominee will decline or be unable to serve. In addition, two Depositary Stockholder Nominees have been recommended by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and designated by the Board of Directors as the Depositary Stockholder Nominees for election to the Board of Directors for a one-year term. The Depositary Stockholder Nominees will be submitted to a vote of the holders of the Depositary Shares. See “Proposal 2 — Election of Directors by the Holders of Series A Preferred Stock” below. The holders of the Company’s Depositary Shares are not entitled to vote for the election of Common Stockholder Nominees.


3


Information about the Common Stockholder Nominees follows:
             
  Business Experience During Past Five Years and
   Director
  
Name
 
Other Directorships
 
Age
 
Since
 
Current Committees(1)
 
Keith E. Alessi President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company (August 2007 to present); Interim President and Interim Chief Executive Office of the Company (May 2007 to August 2007); member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the audit committee of Town Sports International Holdings, Inc. (April 1997 to present); member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the audit committee of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (November 2002 to present); member of the Board of Directors of MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. (2003 to present); adjunct lecturer at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan (March 2002 to present); Chief Executive Officer of Lifestyle Improvement Centers, LLC (April 2003 to May 2006).  53   2007  Executive
Thomas J. Coffey Partner, B2BCFO/CIO, LLC, a professional services organization (December 2005 to present); Vice President-Finance, Global Infrastructure Services (July 1999 to May 2005) and Vice President-Operations Analysis (April 1998 to July 1999) of Unisys Corporation, a technology services company; Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Intelligent Electronics, Inc., a technology distribution company (1995 to September 1997); and Partner of KPMG (1985 to 1995).  55   2000  Audit (Chairman), Compensation and Benefits, Nominating and Corporate Governance
(1)See “Corporate Governance — Information about the Board and Committees” below.
The Board of Directors recommends that holders of Common Stock vote “FOR”
the election of the Common Stockholder Nominees.


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PROPOSAL 2
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS BY THE HOLDERS OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
For the reasons described above, the holders of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to elect two members of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors has recommended that the individuals named below be nominated for election as directors. The Board of Directors has approved such recommendation and directed that the individuals named below be designated as nominees for the Board of Directors.
Each person elected at the annual meeting shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders, or until his death, resignation, or removal, if earlier. In addition, if the special voting rights of the Series A Preferred Stock terminate, the terms of office of the directors elected by the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will immediately terminate. The special voting rights of the Series A Preferred Stock would terminate if, for example, the Company were to redeem all17.0% of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock.
The personsshares.  As such, he is uniquely qualified to represent the depositary shareholders as one of the preferred stock directors due to his commitment to the goal of maximizing stockholder value.


Executive Officer Information


Keith E. Alessi, our President and Chief Executive Officer, is discussed above under “Director Information.”


Kevin A.Paprzycki joined Westmoreland as Controller and Principal Accounting Officer in June 2006 and was named Chief Financial Officer in April 2008. Prior to Westmoreland, he was Corporate Controller at Applied Films Corporation from 2005 to 2006. Mr. Paprzycki became a certified public accountant in 1994 and a certified financial manager and certified management accountant in 2004.


Morris W. Kegley joined Westmoreland in October 2005 as Assistant General Counsel and was named General Counsel in August 2007.  Prior to Westmoreland, he worked in the proxy card intendlegal department of Peabody Energy Company from 2004 to vote for the election2005. He is a member of the Depositary Stockholder Nominees named below. Each Depositary Stockholder Nominee has consentedbar of Indiana, Illinois, Wyoming, and Colorado.


Todd A. Myers joined Westmoreland in January 2000 as Vice President, Marketing and Business Development and, in 2002, became Vice President, Sales and Marketing, a position that is now called Vice President, Coal Sales. Prior to being namedWestmoreland, Mr. Myers was Senior Consultant and Manager of the environmental consulting group of a nationally recognized energy consulting firm, specializing in coal markets, independent power development, and environmental regulation.


John V. O’Laughlin joined Westmoreland in February 2001 as Vice President, and was promoted to serve if elected. If any Depositary Stockholder Nominee should decline or be unableVice President of Coal Operations in May 2005.  Prior to serve,Westmoreland, Mr. O’Laughlin was Vice President of Mine Operations for Washington Group International, formerly known as Morrison-Knudsen Co.


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


We are committed to maintaining the persons namedhighest standards of business conduct and corporate governance, which we believe are essential to running our business efficiently, serving our stockholders and maintaining our integrity in the proxy will vote for the election of such substitute nominee as shall have been recommended by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and designated by the Board of Directors. The Company has no reason to believe that any Depositary Stockholder Nominees will decline or be unable to serve. The holders of the Company’s Common Stock are not entitled to vote for the election of Depositary Stockholder Nominees.

Information about the Depositary Stockholder Nominees follows:
             
  Business Experience During Past Five Years and
   Director
  
Name
 
Other Directorships
 
Age
 
Since
 
Current Committees(1)
 
Richard M. Klingaman Consultant, natural resources and energy (May 1992 to present); Retired Senior Vice President, Penn Virginia Corporation, a natural resources company specializing in coal, oil, natural gas, timber, lime and limestone (1977 to 1992); Director of Westmoreland Resources, Inc. (1980 to 1993).  73   2006  Executive, Audit
William M. Stern Executive Vice President, Stern Brothers & Company, a broker-dealer (1999 to present); Vice President, Mercantile Bank Capital Markets Group, a banking company (1998 to 1999); Senior Vice President, Mark Twain Capital Markets Group, a banking company (1983 to 1998).  62   2000  Audit, Compensation and Benefits
(1)See “Corporate Governance — Information about the Board and Committees” below.
marketplace. The Board of Directors recommends that holders of Depositary Shares vote “FOR”
the election of the Depositary Stockholder Nominees.


5


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Our Board of Directors believes that good corporate governance is important to ensure that our company is managed for the long-term benefit of stockholders. This section describes key corporate governance guidelines and practices that our Board has adopted. Complete copies of our committee charters andadopted an updated code of business conduct, effective January 1, 2010, for directors, officers and employees, known as our Code of Conduct Handbook.  The Code of Conduct Handbook, in conjunction with the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and Board committee charters, form the framework for the governance of Westmoreland. All of these documents are available on the Investor Relations section ofat our website at www.westmoreland.com.  Alternatively, youWe will post on this website any amendments to the Code of Conduct Handbook or waivers of the Code of Conduct Handbook for directors and executive officers.You can request a copy of any of these documents by writing to the Vice President, Corporate Relations,General Counsel, Westmoreland Coal Company, 2 North Cascade Ave., 2nd Floor, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.
Information about


Board Structure and Risk Oversight


The Board separated the positions of Chairman of the Board and Committees

Chief Executive Officer in May 2009 and elected Richard M. Klingaman, an independent director, as our Chairman, and Keith E. Alessi as our President and Chief Executive Officer. Separating these positions allows our CEO to focus on our day-to-day business, while allowing the Chairman of the Board to lead the Board in its fundamental role of providing advice to and independent oversight of management. The Board recognizes the time, effort, and energy that the CEO is required to devote to his position in the current business environment, as well as the commitment required to serve as our Chairman, particularly as the Board’s oversight responsibilities continue to grow. While our Bylaws and corporate governance guidelines do not require that our Chairman and CEO positions be separate, the Board believes that having separate positions and having an independent outside director serve as Chairman is the appr opriate leadership structure for us at this time and demonstrates our commitment to good corporate governance.


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Table of DirectorsContents


Risk is inherent with every business, and how well a business manages risk can ultimately influence its success.  We face a number of risks, including economic risks, operational risks, environmental and regulatory risks, and others, such as the impact of competition and weather conditions. Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of risks that we face, while the Board, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management.  In its risk oversight role, the Board has the responsibility to satisfy itself that the risk management processes designed and implemented by management are adequate and functioning as designed.


The Board believes that establishing the right “tone at the top” and that full and open communication between management and the Board is essential for effective risk management and oversight. Our Chairman talks regularly with our CEO to discuss strategy and the risks facing us. Senior management attend the quarterly board meetings and are available to address any questions or concerns raised by the Board on risk management-related matters. Each quarter, the Board receives presentations from senior management on strategic matters involving our operations and is provided extensive materials that highlight the various factors that could lead to risk in our organization. The Board has held twenty-four meetings during 2007, including four meetings held jointlya strategic planning session with senior management to discuss strategies, key challenges, and risks and opportunities for us.


While the Board is ultimately responsible for our risk oversight, our Audit Committee and one meeting held jointly with the Compensation and Benefits Committee. AllCommittee assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities in certain areas of risk. The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to risk management in the areas of financial reporting, internal controls and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Compensation and Benefits Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the management of risks arising from our compensation policies and programs, as well as succession planning for our directors attended in person, or by telephone, all of the meetingsand executive officers.


Committees of the Board of Directors and all


As of the date of this proxy statement, our Board has five directors and the following five standing committees: (1) Audit; (2) Compensation and Benefits; (3) Nominating and Corporate Governance; (4) Pricing; and (5) Executive. The current committee membership, the number of meetings during the last fiscal year and the function of each of the standing committees are described below.  Each of the standing committees, except for the Pricing and Executive Committee, operate under a written charter adopted by the Board. Allof the committee charters are available on our website at www.westmoreland.com. During fiscal year 2009, the Board held byeight meetings. Each director serving during fiscal year 2009 attended at least 75% of the aggregate of all committees on which they served during 2007Board and which wereapplicable standing committee meetings held during the time they were members of the Board. All director nominees attended our 2007 annual meeting of stockholders. Resolutions adopted by the Board provideperiod that directorshe served as a director. Directors are expected to attend the annual me eting of stockholders. All directors attended the last annual meeting of stockholders.

Mr. Christopher K. Seglem was elected to the Board at our 2006 annual meeting and resigned from the Board


Name of Director

 

Audit

 

Compensation

and Benefits

 

Nominating

and

Corporate Governance

 

Pricing

 

Executive

Non-Employee Directors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas J. Coffey

 

Chair

 

Member

 

Member

 

 

 

 

Michael R. D’Appolonia

 

 

 

Chair

 

 

 

 

 

Member

Richard M. Klingaman

 

Member

 

Member

 

 

 

Member

 

Member

William M. Stern

 

Member

 

 

 

Chair

 

 

 

 

Employee Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keith E. Alessi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mem ber

 

Chair

Number of Meetings in Fiscal 2009

 

5

 

5

 

3

 

0(1)

 

0

(1)The Pricing Committee acted only by unanimous written consent in May 2007. Messrs. Thomas W. Ostrander and Donald A. Tortorice were elected to the Board at our 2006 annual meeting. Mr. Ostrander chose not to stand and Mr. Tortorice was not nominated for re-election at the 2007 annual meeting. Mr. Seglem served as Chairman of the Board through May 1, 2007. In May 2006, Mr. Robert E. Killen was named Vice-Chairman. Effective May 2, 2007, Mr. Killen was named interim Non-executive Chairman of the Board, and effective August, 2007, Mr. Killen was named Non-executive Chairman of the Board. At that time the Board concluded that the Vice-Chairman position was no longer necessary because of the smaller size of the Board and because Mr. Killen was not a corporate officer. Mr. Alessi is the only member of the Board who is also an employee of the Company.

fiscal year 2009. 


Audit Committee

The Audit Committee provides oversight of the Boardquality and integrity of Directors met ten times during 2007, including four meetings held jointly with the Board of Directors.our accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices. The committee was comprisedexercises its oversight obligations through regular meetings with management, the director of Messrs. Coffey (Chairman), Sterninternal controls and Ostrander (through his tenure on the Board which ended in August 2007) and Mr. Klingaman (beginning in August 2007). The Audit Committee, which reports to the Board of Directors, approves the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm, monitors the independence and directs the performanceErnst & Young LLP. The Audit Committee is also responsible for oversight of our independent registered publicrisks relating to accounting firm, and monitors the integrity of ourmatters, financial reporting process and systems of internal controls regarding finance, accounting, and legalregulatory compliance. It also reviewsTo satisfy these oversight responsibilities, the committee separately meets with our Chief Financial Officer, Director of Internal Controls, Ernst & Young LLP and management. The committee also receives periodic reports regarding issues such as the status and findings of audits being conducted by the internal and independent registered publicauditors, the status of material litigation, accounting firm the audit plan for our company, our internal accounting controls,changes that could affect our financial statements and the independent registered public accounting firm’s report to the Audit Committee.proposed audit adjustments. The Board of Directors has determined that Thomas J. Coffey is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5) ofRegulation S-K.


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Table of Contents


Audit Committee Report


Management is responsible for our internal controls and the financial reporting process. Ernst & Young LLP is our independent registered public accounting firm and is responsible for performing an independent audit of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and for issuing audit reports on the consolidated financial statements and the assessment of the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting. The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes on behalf of the Board.


In this context, the committee has discussed with Ernst & Young the matters required by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 114,The Auditors Communication With Those Charged With Governance,and has received from and discussed with Ernst & Young the written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant's communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and discussed with Ernst & Young their independence from Westmoreland and its management.


The Audit Committee discussed with our internal and independent auditors the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Audit Committee meets with the independent auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the results of its examinations, the evaluations of our internal controls and the overall quality of our financial reporting. The Audit Committee also has also determined that each member ofreviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management.


Based on the reviews and discussions described above, the Audit Committee including Mr. Coffey, is “independent” underrecommended to the American Stock Exchange’s listing standards, Section 10ABoard that the audited financial statements and assessment of internal controls over financial reporting be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, andRule 10A-3 thereunder. A copy of thefiscal year ended December 31, 2009. The Audit Committee Charter can be found in the Investor Relations section ofhas selected Ernst & Young LLP as our web site at www.westmoreland.com.

independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2010.


Thomas J. Coffey, Chairman

Richard M. Klingaman

William M. Stern


Compensation and Benefits Committee


The Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors met four times during 2007 including one meeting held jointly with the Board of Directors. Through August 2007, the committee was comprised of Messrs. Tortorice (Chairman), Armstrong (until his resignation from the Board in June 2007), and Klingaman. Effective August 2007 the committee was comprised of Messrs. Killen (Chairman), Stern, and Coffey. Each member of the Compensation and Benefits Committee is “independent” under the American Stock Exchange’s listing standards. This committee is responsible for assuring that the Board, of Directors, various committee chairpersons and committee members, our Chief Executive Officer, other executive officers, and our key management are compensated appropriately and in a manner consistent with our approved compensation strategy, internal equity considerations, competitive practice, and any relevant laws or regulations.  The


6


processesIn addition, the committee reviews our compensation programs to ensure that our programs are not incentivizing imprudent risk-taking, as well as overseeing succession planning. In accordance with its charter, the committee may retain and procedures followed by our Compensationterminate outside counsel, compensation consultants, or other experts or consultants, as it deems appropriate, form and Benefits Committee in consideringdelegate authority to subcommittees and determining executive and director compensation are described below under the heading “Executive and Director Compensation Processes”. A copy of the Compensation and Benefits Committee Charter may be found on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.westmoreland.com.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee was comprised of Messrs. Killen (Chairman) and Ostrander until August 2007 and Messrs. Killen (Chairman) and Coffey thereafter. The Committee met two times during 2007delegate authority to review the qualifications of potential candidates to serve as common stockholder nominees and depositary stockholder nominees for election to the Board of Directors and to recommend a slate of candidates for consideration by the Board of Directors for the August 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Committee met again on April 9, 2008 to recommend a slate of candidates for consideration by the Board of Directors for the upcoming election of the Board of Directors. Each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is “independent” under the American Stock Exchange’s listing standards. This committee, which reports to the Board of Directors, identifies and recommends individuals qualified to be nominated asone or more designated members of the Board of Directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is also authorized to providecommittee. To assist it in satisfying its oversight on matters related to corporate governance and structure and to make recommendations to the Board of Directors. This committee also provides for the evaluation of Board, committee, and individual director performance and recommends individuals qualified to be nominated as members of the Board of Directors. A copy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter can be found on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s web site at www.westmoreland.com.
The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors did not meet during 2007. Through August 2007,responsibilities, the committee was comprisedretained, as of Messrs. Seglem (Chairman) (until his resignation in May 2007), Armstrong (until his resignation in June 2007),February 2010, Buck Consulting and Killen. Effective August 2007,meets regularly with managem ent to understand the Executive Committee was comprisedfinancial, human resources and shareholder implications of Messrs. Alessi (Chairman), Klingaman and Killen.
There are no family relationships between any director, executive officer, or person nominated or chosen by us to become a director or executive officer of our company except for between Mr. Christopher Seglem, who served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer through May 1, 2007, and Mr. Mark Seglem as described in “Certain Transactions — Other Related Person Transactions” below.
compensation decisions being made.


Compensation and Benefits Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation


During 2007,2009, each of Messrs. Armstrong, Klingaman, Tortorice, Killen, Stern,Coffey and CoffeyD’Appolonia served on our Compensation and Benefits Committee. None of these directors was a current or former officer or employee of our company, and none had any related person transaction involving our company. During 2007,2009, none of our executive officers served on the board of directors of any entity that had one or more executive officers serving on our board.

Director Candidate Nomination Process
Board.


Compensation Committee Risk Assessment


In early 2010, utilizing various risk assessment tools provided by Buck Consulting, the committee thoroughly reviewed our compensation policies and practices for all employees, including executive officers. As part of the risk assessment, the committee reviewed our compensation programs for certain design features that have been identified by experts as having the potential to encourage excessive risk-taking such as compensation mix overly weighted toward annual incentives and unreasonable goals or thresholds. The committee determined that, for all employees, our compensation programs do not encourage excessive risk and instead encourage behaviors that support sustainable value creation.  The committee, with the assistance of Buck Consulting, intends to continue, on an on-going basis, a process followedof thoroughly reviewing our compensation policies and programs to determine if any risk mitigation programs should be put into place to further discourage imprudent risk-ta king activities.


7



Table of Contents


Compensation Committee Report


The Compensation and Benefits Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management. Based on this review and discussion, the Compensation and Benefits Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, provided below, be included in this proxy statement.


Michael R. D’Appolonia, Chairman

Thomas J. Coffey

Richard M. Klingaman


Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee


The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies and recommends individuals qualified to be nominated as members of the Board and considers director candidates brought to the Board by stockholders. The committee also provides oversight on corporate governance matters and provides for the evaluation of Board, committee, and individual director performance.  The committee regularly assesses the mix of skills and industry experience currently represented on the Board, whether any vacancies on the Board are expected due to retirement or otherwise, the skills represented by retiring directors, and additional skills highlighted during the Board self-assessment process that could improve the overall quality and ability of the Board to carry out its functions. In the event vacancies are anticipated, or arise, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to identify and evaluate director candidates when a vacancy exists or is anticipated includes invitations to Board members for recommendations, the collection of information about individuals recommended, meetings to evaluate biographical information and background material relating toconsiders various potential candidates for director and interviews of selected candidatesemploys the same process for evaluating all can didates, including those submitted by membersstockholders. The committee is responsible for ensuring all director nominees undergo a thorough background check prior to nomination or appointment as a director and to review any adverse findings prior to such nomination or appointment.  Candidates may come to the attention of the committee through current Board members, professional search firms, stockholders or other persons.


The committee initially evaluates a candidate based on publicly available information and any additional information supplied by the party recommending the candidate. If the candidate appears to satisfy the selection criteria and the Board.

committee’s initial evaluation is favorable, the candidate is contacted by the chairman of the committee for an interview to determine the mutual levels of interest in pursuing the candidacy. The committee is tasked with considering whether the candidate is (i) independent pursuant to the requirements of the NYSE Amex, (ii) accomplished in his or her field and has a reputation, both personal and professional, that is consistent with our ideals and integrity, (iii) able to read and understand basic financial statements, (iv) knowledgeable as to us and the issues affecting our business, (v) committed to enhancing stockholder value, (vi) able to understand fully the legal responsibilities of a director and the governance processes of a p ublic company, (vii) able to develop a good working relationship with other Board members and senior management and (viii) able to suggest business opportunities to us.  If these discussions and considerations are favorable, the committee makes a final recommendation to the Board to nominate the candidate for election. Mr. Vicino, who is standing for election, referred himself to the committee and holds approximately 17% of our depositary shares.


In considering whether to recommend any particular candidate for inclusion in the Board’s slate of recommended director nominees, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee takes into consideration a number of criteria which include the candidate’s integrity,include:  professional work experience; skills; expertise; diversity; personal and professional integrity; character; temperament; business acumen, knowledgejudgment; time availability in light of our business and industry, maturity, experience, diligence, potentialother commitments; dedication; conflicts of interest, willingness to serve as a directorinterest; and regularly attend and participate in Board meetings, and the ability to act in the interests of all stockholders.public company experience. The committee does not assign specific weights to particular criteria and no particular criterion is a prerequisite for each prospective nominee.  The committee focuses on issues of diversity, such as diversity of education, professional experience and differences in viewpoints and skills. The committee does not have a formal policy with respect to diversity; however, the Board and the committee believe that it is essential that the Board members represent divers e viewpoints. With respect to the nomination of continuing directors for re-election, the individual’s contributions to the Board are also considered. We believe that the backgrounds and qualifications of our


7


directors, considered as a group, should provide a composite mix of skills, experience, and knowledge that will assure that the Board can continue to fulfill its responsibilities.


On March 1, 2010, the Board adopted a retirement policy for directors mandating that directors elected to the Board at our annual meeting will be required to retire from the Board at the first annual meeting of stockholders following the director’s 75th birthday.  The Board grandfathered all current directors who will turn 75 prior to the 2010 annual meeting, making the new retirement policy only applicable to current and future directors who will turn 75 following our 2010 annual meeting.


Stockholders may recommend individuals to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee for consideration as potential director candidates by submitting their names, together with appropriate biographical information and background materials and a statement as to whether the stockholder or group of stockholders making the recommendation has beneficially owned more than 5% of our common stock for at least a year as of the date such recommendation is made, to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee,c/o Corporate Secretary, Westmoreland Coal Company, 2 North Cascade Avenue, 2nd Floor, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Assuming that appropriate biographical and background material has been provided on a timely basis, the committee will evaluate stockholder-recommended candidates by following substantially the same process, and applying substantially the same criteria, as it follows for candidates submitted by others. If the Board determines to nominate a stockholder-recommended candidatecan didate and recommends his or her election, then his or her name will be included in our proxy statement for the next annual meeting.


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Table of Contents


Stockholders also have the right under our bylaws to nominate director candidates directly, without any action or recommendation on the part of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committeecommittee or the Board, by following the procedures set forth in Section 2.6, “Advance Notice of Nominees,” in our bylaws. Among other things, a stockholder wishing to nominate a director candidate for election as a director must give notice to us within the specified time period specified in such section, and the notice must includethat includes the information about the stockholder and the proposed nominee required inby the bylaws. Any stockholder wishing to nominate a candidate for election to the Board without any action or recommendation ofpursuant to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee or the Boardbylaw provision must strictly comply with the procedures specified in Section 2.6 of the bylaws. Candidates nominated by stockholders in accordance with thethese procedures set forth in the bylaws will not be included in our proxy statement for the next annual meeting.


Other Committees


During 2009, the Board had two other standing committees in addition to the committees set forth above: the Executive Committee and the Pricing Committee.  The Executive Committee is authorized to act on behalf of the Board during periods between Board meetings. During 2009, the Executive Committee held no meetings. The Pricing Committee acts in the event of offerings of the Company’s securities with respect to matters such as determining the price and terms at which such securities shall be sold to underwriters and the public. During 2009, the Pricing Committee held no meetings, but acted by unanimous written consent on several occasions with respect to the contribution of shares to our pension plans.


Director Independence


The NYSE Amex listing standards generally define an “independent director” as a non-employee director who is affirmatively determined by the Board not to have a material relationship with the listed company that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment.  Our Board has determined that each of our directors, with the exception of our Chief Executive Officer, is independent as defined by the NYSE Amex. The independent directors meet during most Board meetings in separate executive session without management present. The Chairman of the Board, who is an independent director, presides over these meetings.  The Board considered Mr. Vicino’s 17% ownership of our depositary shares as a factor when considering his independence and did not feel such ownership would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Each member of the Audit Committee must, in addition to the independenc e requirements of the NYSE Amex, meet the heightened independence standards required for audit committee members under the NYSE Amex listing standards, Section 10A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Rule 10A-3 thereunder.  The Board has determined that Messrs. Coffey, Klingaman and Stern each meet such heightened independence standards.


Communicating with the Board


The Board has provided a process that permits stockholders to communicate directly with the Board. Stockholders wishing to communicate with us, including the Board, generally are asked to contact the Vice President-Corporate Relations and Secretary, Diane S. Jones, at Westmoreland Coal Company, 2 North Cascade Ave., 2nd Floor, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903, diane.jones@westmoreland.com,(719) 448-5814, who is primarily responsible for receiving, managing, monitoring, and responding to stockholder communications.

Stockholders who wish to write directly to the Board on any topic should address communications to the Board of Directors in care of the Chairman, Westmoreland Coal Company Board of Directors, Westmoreland Coal Company, 2 North Cascade Ave.,Avenue, 2nd Floor, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.
Our Chairman with the assistance of Ms. Jones, will report on stockholder communications to the Board and provide copies or specific summaries to directors on matters deemed to be of appropriate importance. In general, communications from stockholders relating to corporate governance will be forwarded to the Board unless they are frivolous, obscene, or repeat the same information contained in earlier communications, or fail to identify the author.
Director Independence
Under the applicable rules of the American Stock Exchange, a director will qualify as an “independent director” only if (1) he is not an executive officer or employee of our company and (2) the Board affirmatively determines that he does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.
None of Messrs. Coffey, Klingaman, and Stern is an executive officer or employee of our company. Our Board has determined that none of Messrs. Coffey, Klingaman, and Stern has a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and that each of these directors is an “independent director” as defined under Section 121A(2) of the American Stock


8


DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR 2009


Name(1)

Fees Earned Or

Paid In Cash($)

Stock

Awards($)(2)

Total Compensation($)

Thomas J. Coffey

56,000

29,992

85,992

Michael R. D’Appolonia

42,800

29,992

72,792

Richard M. Klingaman

81,038

29,992

111,030

William M. Stern

40,000

29,992

69,992

(1)

Mr. Alessi, who is our Chief Executive Officer and a director, does not receive any additional compensation for his services as a director.

(2)

3,631 shares of common stock were awarded to each non-employee director re-elected to the Board in May 2009.  Sale of the shares is restricted until May 2010. The grant date fair value of these awards was $8.26 per share.


Exchange (“AMEX”) Company Guide. In addition, our Board reached a similar determination of independence with respect to Mr. Armstrong, who served as a director until June 2007, and with respect to Messrs. Ostrander and Tortorice, who served as directors until August 2007, and Mr. Killen, who is serving as a director until the 2008 annual meeting.
Executive and Director Compensation Process
The Compensation and Benefits Committee is responsible for setting the salaries and incentive compensation of our executive officers. The committee’s objective is to oversee and administer compensation programs that attract, retain, reward, and motivate highly qualified executive officers to perform their duties in a competent and efficient manner, increase our long-term profitability, and build stockholder value. The Compensation and Benefits Committee establishes our overall compensation strategy to ensure that our executives are rewarded appropriately and that executive compensation supports Westmoreland’s business strategy and objectives.
In discharging its duties, the Compensation and Benefits Committee reviews and determines the compensation, including base salaries, annual incentives, long-term incentives, and other benefits, of our Chief Executive Officer (except in the case of Mr. Alessi who originally joined the company on an interim basis), our Chief Financial Officer, and the three most highly-compensated executive officers other than our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. We refer to these officers, plus our former Chief Executive Officer and two of our former executives who would have been among the top three most highly compensated executives, but for the fact that they were not serving as executive officers at December 31, 2007, as our “named executive officers” for purposes of the proxy. The Compensation and Benefits Committee also determines the compensation for other key executives who are not identified in this report. In 2007, compensation arrangements for Mr. Alessi were made by the full Board of Directors.
The Compensation and Benefits Committee has the authority to retain consultants directly. In recent years, but excluding 2007, the Committee has engaged a nationally recognized executive compensation consultant, Mercer Human Resource Consulting, or Mercer, to assist in performing its duties. Mercer has assisted with the development of our compensation strategy, which was specifically designed to support our business strategy, with an expectation that changes to our Company would affect pay delivery programs.
Our compensation planning process, including business and succession planning, evaluation of our executive officers’ performance, and consideration of our business environment is ongoing throughout the year.
Our Chief Executive Officer and members of management, including human resources management, work with the Chairman of the Compensation and Benefits Committee to establish the agenda for Compensation and Benefits Committee meetings and in the preparation of meeting information. We seek the input of our management and our human resources staff in making executive compensation decisions. Our Chief Executive Officer also participates in Compensation and Benefits Committee meetings at its request to provide background information on Westmoreland’s strategic objectives, his evaluation of the performance of the named executive officers, and compensation recommendations as to senior executive officers (other than for himself). In determining the appropriate compensation level for our current Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors participated in the performance review of our company and our Chief Executive Officer’s performance against pre-established objectives determined by the Board.
The Compensation and Benefits Committee has implemented an annual performance review program for our executives, under which annual performance goals are determined and set each calendar year for our company as a whole, and for the power segment and each mining operation. The corporate goals target the achievement of specific regulatory, financial, and operational milestones. Individual mine and power segment goals are proposed by each mine manager or senior power executive and approved by our Chief Executive Officer. Annual salary increases, annual bonuses, and annual long-term incentive awards, including any stock option, SAR, performance unit, and restricted stock awards, granted to our executives are tied to the achievement of performance goals and to individual accomplishments.


9


During the first calendar quarter of each year, we evaluate performance against the goals and individual accomplishments for the recently completed year. Generally, each executive’s evaluation begins with a self-assessment, which is submitted in writing or discussed with our Chief Executive Officer. Our Chief Executive Officer then formulates an evaluation based on the executive’s self-assessment, the Chief Executive Officer’s own evaluation, and input from others within our company. This process leads to a recommendation by the Chief Executive Officer for annual executive salary increases, annual incentive bonuses, and annual long-term incentive awards, if any, which is then reviewed and approved by the Compensation and Benefits Committee. In the case of our current Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors conducts his individual performance evaluation and determines his compensation changes and awards. For all executives, annual incentive bonuses, to the extent granted, are implemented during the first calendar quarter of the year. We typically implement increases in annual base salaries, and we typically grant long-term incentive awards, including stock options, SARs, performance units, and restricted stock awards, at the end of the second calendar quarter of the year. The timing of any increase or grant depends on business conditions. In 2007, we increased an executive’s salary only whenhis/her responsibilities increased, and we granted long-term incentive awards only in connection with the hiring of Mr. Alessi.
The compensation of our directors is determinedrecommended by the full Board of Directors and is based on a recommendation from the Compensation and Benefits Committee whichand determined by the full Board. The Compensation and Benefits Committee reviews director compensation on an annual basis and considers information from our Chief Executive Officer, our human resources department and any consultants retained by the committee in formulating its recommendation. The Compensation


9



Table of Contents


Annual Retainer and BenefitsMeeting Fees


Our non-employee directors, except for our Chairman of the Board and our Chairman of the Audit Committee, generally reviewsreceive an annual cash retainer of $30,000 paid quarterly. Our Chairman of the Board receives a cash retainer of $90,000 and our Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a cash retainer of $41,000. All retainers are prorated in any quarterly period in which the individual is not a director compensation every other year.and/or the Chairman for the entire quarterly period. Each non-employee director also receives $1,000 per meeting attended of the Board and of each committee of which he is a member. Any director who participates in meetings by telephone, rather than in person, receives a reduced fee of $500 per meeting. There is no reduction in fee for meetings in which all directors participate telephonically. In 2006 and prior years,addition, the Company engaged Mercer to assist in its evaluationChairman of director compensation. As part of its analysis, Mercer used the Mercer General Industry Survey and a review of proxy data from a peer group of companies. AtAudit Committee receives an additional $750 per meeting, the requestChairman of the Compensation and Benefits Committee Mercer updated its 2005 report in 2006 and providedreceives an additional report regarding director compensation in December 2006. Also in 2006, our human resources department provided$650 per meeting an d all other committee chairmen receive an additional $500 per meeting attended and chaired. Should multiple meetings of the full Board or a committee with information basedoccur on the National Associationsame day, we pay each director only one meeting fee plus a chairperson fee, if applicable.


Long-Term Compensation


Pursuant to the 2007 equity plan, each non-employee director is entitled to receive, upon his or her election/ re-election to the Board, a grant of Corporate Directors’ 2006 reportrestricted stock equal to $30,000 in value with a one-year restriction on directors’ compensation.

resale. Under the 2007 plan, each non-employee director has historically received, as an initial grant upon his or her first joining the Board, equity equal to $60,000 in value. However, in 2010, the Board amended the 2007 plan to eliminate the initial equity award as peer and survey data did not demonstrate comparable initial director grants and the Board did not feel that such an initial grant was necessary to incentivize new directors.


2009 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End for Directors


 

Option Awards

Stock Awards

Name

Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#)

Exercisable

Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#)

Unexercisable

Option

Exercise

Price

($)

Option

Expiration

Date

Shares that have

not vested (#)(1)

Market value of shares

that have not

vested as of 12/31/09($)(2)

Thomas J. Coffey

10,000

0

18.00

5/31/11

 

 

5,000

0

15.31

5/24/12

 

 

1,762

0

25.13

6/23/16

 

 

Michael R. D’Appolonia

 

 

 

 

1,458

12,991

Richard M. Klingaman

3,733

0

23.98

2/27/16

 

 

William M. Stern

5,000

0

18.00

5/31/11

 

 

5,000

0

15.31

5/24/12

 

 

1,762

0

25.13

6/23/16

 

 

(1)

Mr. D’Appolonia received an initial grant of 2,916 shares upon being elected as a director on July 23, 2008.  These shares vest over a two-year period.

(2)

Market value of unvested restricted stock was determined by multiplying the closing price of $8.91 on December 31, 2009 by the number of shares.


10



Table of Contents



BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES


The following table sets forth information, as of March 1, 2010, concerning beneficial ownership by: holders of more than 5% ofany class of our voting securities

Except; directors and director nominees; each of the named executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table; and all directors and executive officers as a group. The information provided in the table is based on our records, information filed with the SEC and information provided to us, except where otherwise noted. The number of shares beneficially owned by each entity or individual is determined under SEC rules, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which the entity or individual has sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any shares that the entity or individual has the right to acquire withi n 60 days of March 1, 2010 through the exercise of any stock options,the conversion of depositary shares at a conversion ratio of 1.708 shares of common stock for each depositary share, or upon the exercise or conversion of other rights. Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares set forth in the followingtable. The percentage calculations set forth in the table no person or entity known to us beneficially owned moreare based on 10,541,556 shares of common stock outstanding and 640,516 depositary shares outstanding on March 1, 2010.


Name of Beneficial Owner

Common
Stock

% of
Common

Depositary
Shares

%  of

Depositary

5% or Greater Equity Holders

 

 

 

 

Jeffrey L. Gendell (1)

3,276,751

26.7%

4,300

*

Stephen D. Rosenbaum (2)

131,404

1.2%

60,000

9.4%

T. Rowe Price (3)

757,700

7.2%

BlackRock, Inc. (4)

585,263

5.5%

Officers, Directors and Director Nominees

Frank T. Vicino, Jr. (5)

185,711 

1.7%

108,730

17.0%

William M. Stern (6)

67,453

*

7,850

1.2%

Thomas J. Coffey (7)

48,795

*

Richard M. Klingaman (8)

7,442

*

Michael R. D’Appolonia (9)

6,547

*

Keith E. Alessi (10)

53,601

*

John V. O’Laughlin (11)

44,733

*

Todd A. Myers (12)

40,862

*

Morris W. Kegley (13)

3,763

*

Kevin A. Paprzycki (14)

3,657

*

Delbert L. Lobb

0

*

Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (9 persons)

276,853

2.5%

7,850

1. 2%


* Percentages of less than 5% of our voting securities as of March 31, 2008:

Number of Shares and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(1)
                 
Name and Address
   Percentage of
   Percentage of
of Beneficial Owner
 Common Stock Common Stock Depositary Shares Depositary Shares
 
Alan A. Blase        70,659(2)  11.0%
1073 SW 119th Ave.,
#5 Davie, FL 33325
                
Jeffrey L. Gendell  3,050,943(3)  27.9%  4,300(4)  * 
55 Railroad Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
                
Stephen D. Rosenbaum  28,924   *   60,000(5)  9.4%
817 N. Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
                
T. Rowe Price  579,000(6)  6.1%      
100 East Pratt St.
Baltimore, Maryland 21289
                
1% are indicated by an asterisk


(1)

Information in this table is as of March 31, 2008, unless otherwise indicated, and is based solely on information contained in Schedules 13D, Schedules 13G, and Section 16 Forms filed by the beneficial owners with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, or information furnished to us. Except as indicated below, the respective beneficial owners have reported that they have sole voting power and sole dispositive power with respect to the securities set forth opposite their names. For ease of analysis, the common stock information in the table and the related footnotes does not include the number of

The total for Mr. Gendell includes shares of common stock, into which the depositary shares may be converted. A holder of depositary shares may convert such depositary shares intoas well as shares of common stock at any time at aissuable upon conversion ratio of 1.708 shares of common stock for each depositary share. Consequently, a holder of(i) depositary shares is deemed to beneficially own all ofand (ii) the shares of common stock into which such holder’s depositary shares may be converted. However, for so long as we are in arrears on six or more preferred stock dividends, holders of depositary shares are not entitled to vote for the election of directors to be elected by holders of the common stock unless such depositary shares are actually converted prior to the record date for the annual meeting. Percentages of less than 1% are indicated by an asterisk.

(2)According to a Schedule 13G filed on February 14, 2007, Mr. Alan Blase beneficially owns 70,659 depositary shares of which he has shared dispositive power over shares owned by several investors. No single investor has more than 5% ownership and only has shared dispositive power with Mr. Blase with respect to its/his/her own shares. The depositary shares aresenior secured convertible 120,685 shares of common stock, which would represent 1.3% of the total shares of common stock outstanding. See Note (1).
(3)notes issued March 4, 2008. According to a Schedule 13D/A filed March 6, 2008 with the SEC,February 1, 2010, Mr. Gendell owns 549,000 shares of common stock of which he has sole voting and dispositive power. The remaining shares of common stock are held byIn addition, Tontine Capital Partners, L.P. and other limited partnerships and limited liability companies that are affiliates of Tontine Capital Partners, L.P. own 998,204 shares of common stock, 4,300 depositary shares that are convertible into 7,343 shares of common stock and senior secured convertible notes which are convertible into 1,725,808 shares of common stock. Mr. Gendell is either a managing member of, or a managing member of the general partner of, these limited partnerships and limited liability companies and has shared votingvo ting and dispositive power over these shares. Because of Mr. Gendell’s relationship with Tontine Capital Partners, L.P., the shares owned by Tontine Capital Partners, L.P. and its affiliates and 1,500,000 shares that may be acquired by them upon conversion of the senior secured convertible notes issued March 4, 2008 are attributed toThe address for Mr. Gendell for purposes of calculating the beneficial ownership of our securities. See Notes (1) and (4).is 55 Railroad Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830.

(4)

(2)

According to a Form 3/A filed December 9, 2003, Tontine Partners, L.P., an affiliate of

The total for Mr. Gendell and Tontine Capital Partners, L.P., owns 4,300 depositary shares. These depositary shares are convertible into


11


7,343Rosenbaum includes shares of common stock, whichas well as shares of common stock together with the 3,050,943 sharesissuable upon conversion of common stock reported in the table would represent 27.9% of the total shares of common stock outstanding. See Notes (1) and (3).
(5)depositary shares. The depositary shares are convertible into 102,480 shares of common stock, which together with the 28,924 shares of common stock reported in the table, would represent 1.4% of the total shares of common stock outstanding. See Note (1).stock. The address for Mr. Rosenbaum is 817 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.

(6)

(3)

According to a Schedule 13G13G/A filed on February 14, 2008,11, 2010, these securities are owned by various individual and institutional investors, including 467,700591,800 shares held by T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Stock Fund, Inc., for which T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (Price Associates) serves as investment adviser with power to direct investments and/or sole power to vote the securities. For purposes of theSEC reporting requirements, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,T. Rowe Price Associates is deemed to be a beneficial owner of such securities; however, Price Associatesit expressly disclaims that it is, in fact, the beneficial ownerowner. The principal business address of such securities.

The following table sets forth information as of April 1, 2008 concerning stock ownership of individual directors and our named executive officers, and all of our executive officers and directors as a group:
Number of Shares and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(1)
                 
     Percentage of
     Percentage of
 
Name of Directors, Named Executive Officers and Persons as a Group(2)
 Common Stock  Common Stock  Depositary Shares  Depositary Shares 
 
Keith E. Alessi  28,862(3)  *       
Thomas J. Coffey  41,853(4)  *       
Morris W. Kegley  467(5)  *       
Robert E. Killen  227,174(6)  2.4%  750(7)  * 
Richard M. Klingaman  500   *       
Todd A. Myers  32,196(8)  *       
John V. O’Laughlin  38,416(9)  *       
William M. Stern  47,103(10)  *   7,850(11)  1.2%
David J. Blair  947(12)  *       
Robert W. Holzwarth  0(13)         
Christopher K. Seglem  172,554(14)  1.8%  1,100(15)  * 
Roger D. Wiegley  3,596(16)  *       
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (9 persons)  416,947(17)  4.4%  8,600(18)  1.3%
T. Rowe Price is 100 East Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland 21289.

(1)

(4)

This information

According to a report on Schedule 13G filed on January 29, 2010, BlackRock Inc. (a) is based on information known to usa parent holding company or furnished to us by our directorscontrol person and executive officers. Except as indicated below, we are informed that the respective beneficial owners have(b) has sole voting power over 585,263 shares, shared voting power over no shares, sole dispositive power over 585,263 shares and shared dispositive power over no shares. The principal business address of BlackRock is 40 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022.

(5)

According to a Schedule 13D/A filed on February 19, 2010, Mr. Frank Vicino Jr., a director nominee, beneficially owns 108,730 depositary shares of which he has sole voting and sole dispositive power with respect to all of thefor 86,750 shares, set forth opposite their names. Percentages of less than 1% are indicated by an asterisk. For ease of analysis, the common stock information in the table and the related footnotes does not include the number of shares of common stock into which the depositary shares may be converted. A holder of depositary shares may convert such depositary share into shares of common stock at any time at a conversion ratio of 1.708 shares of common stock for each depositary share. Consequently, a holder of depositary shares is deemed to beneficially own all of the shares of common stock into which such holder’s depositary shares may be converted. However, for so long as we are in arrears on six or more preferred stock dividends, holders of depositary shares are not entitled to vote for the election of directors to be elected by holders of common stock unless such depositary shares are actually converted prior to the record date for the Annual Meeting. Also, shares that may be purchased under equity incentive plans are reflected in the table but are not entitled to vote unless exercised prior to the record date for the Annual Meeting. Our equity incentive plans include our 1991 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, or 1991


12


Plan; our 1995 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan, or 1995 Plan; our 1996 Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan, or 1996 Directors’ Plan; our 2000 Non-employee Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, or the 2000 Directors’ Plan; our 2000 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan, or 2000 Employees’ Plan; our 2002 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan, or 2002 Plan; and our 2007 Equity Incentive Plan for Employees and Non-employee Directors, or 2007 Plan. The Westmoreland Coal Company and Subsidiaries Employees’ Savings Plan, or the 401(k) Plan, provides investment alternatives that include a common stock fund and a depositary share fund. All amounts included herein held through the 401(k) Plan are as of March 31, 2008.
(2)Mr. C. Seglem, our former Chairman and CEO, Mr. Blair, our former Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Holzwarth, our former Senior Vice President, Power, and Mr. Wiegley, our former General Counsel and Secretary are “Named Executive Officers”, but are not included in “Directors and Executive Officers as a Group.”
(3)Includes 1,085 shares of common stock held by Prudential Retirement, as trustee of the 401(k) Plan, and 27,777 shares of common stock which may be purchased upon exercise of options under our 2002 Plan.
(4)Includes 15,000 shares of common stock which may be purchased upon exercise of options under our 2000 Directors’ Plan.
(5)Includes 467 shares of common stock held by Prudential Retirement, as trustee of the 401(k) plan.
(6)Includes 88,990 shares of common stock owned by Mr. Killen as a personal investment, 59,184 shares of common stock held jointly by Mr. Killen and his spouse, 61,500 shares of common stock held by a limited partnership of which Mr. Killen and his spouse are general partners and 10,000 shares of common stock held by a limited partnership of which Mr. Killen is the general partner. Mr. Killen hasshared voting and dispositive power over all 10,00021,980 shares. Also includes 7,500 shares ofThe common stock whichtotal for Mr. Vicino includes 184,857 common shares issuable upon conversion of depositary shares.

(6)

Includes 10,000 common shares that may be purchased upon exercise of options under the 2000 Directors’ Plan. See Notes (1)Plan, 3,631 common shares for which sale is restricted until May 2010 and (7).

(7)Includes 75013,408 common shares issuable upon conversion of depositary shares. The depositary shares jointly held by Mr. Killen and his spouse. These depositary shares are convertible into 1,281 shares of common stock, which shares of common stock, together with the 227,174 shares of common stock reported in the table, would represent 2.4% of the total shares of common stock outstanding. See Notes (1) and (6).
(8)Includes 2,346 shares of common stock held by Prudential Retirement, as trustee of the 401(k) plan. Also includes 23,300 shares of common stock which may be purchased upon exercise of options under the 1995 Plan, the 2000 Plan, and the 2002 Plan.
(9)Includes 2,516 shares of common stock held by Prudential Retirement, as trustee of the 401(k) Plan. Also includes 34,300 shares of common stock which may be purchased upon exercise of options under the 1995 Plan, the 2000 Employees’ Plan, and the 2002 Plan.
(10)Includes 10,000 shares of common stock which may be purchased upon exercise of options under the 2000 Directors’ Plan.
(11)Includes 2,800 depositary shares held in a trust foras to which Mr. Stern is a trustee and beneficiary, 3,000 shares held by a trust foras to which Mr. Stern is sole trustee, and 2,050 shares held in trust foras to which Mr. Stern is sole trustee and beneficiary. The depositary shares are convertible into 13,407 shares of common stock, which together with the 47,103 shares of common stock reported in the table, would represent less than 1% of the total shares of common stock outstanding. See Notes (1) and (10).

(7)

Includes 15,000 common shares that may be purchased upon exercise of options and 3,631 common shares for which sale is restricted until May 2010.

(12)

(8)

Includes 3,631 common shares for which sale is restricted until May 2010.

(9)

Reported

Includes 1,458 restricted common shares represent number ofsubject to vesting and forfeiture and 3,631 common shares owned as of the last date of Mr. Blair’s employment, including 947for which sale is restricted until May 2010.

(10)

Includes 3,046 common shares of common stock held by Prudential Retirement, as trustee ofthrough the 401(k) Plan.plan and 50,555 common shares that may be purchased upon exercise of options under equity plans.

(11)

Includes 3,834 common shares held through the 401(k) plan and 39,299 common shares that may be purchased upon exercise of options under equity plans.

(13)

(12)

Reported shares represent number of shares owned as of the last date of Mr. Holzwarth’s employment, not including

Includes 3,678 common shares held inthrough the 401(k) Plan.plan and 25,633 common shares that may be purchased upon the exercise of options.

(13)

Includes 1,430 common shares held through the 401(k) plan and 2,333 common shares that may be purchased upon exercise of options under the 2007 plan.

(14)

Reported shares represent number of shares owned as of the last date of Mr. Seglem’s employment, not including

Includes 1,324 common shares held inthrough the 401(k) Plan. Subsequent to his employment, Mr. Seglem exercisedplan and 2,333 common shares that may be purchased upon exercise of options representing 242,255 shares not included inunder the table. Mr. Seglem has no additional exercisable options or SARs remaining.

(15)Reported shares represent number of shares owned as of the last date of Mr. Seglem’s employment. The depositary shares are convertible into 1,878 shares of common stock, which together with the2007 plan.


13


11



Table of Contents

172,554 shares of common stock reported in the table, would represent 1.8% of the total shares of common stock outstanding. See Notes (1) and (14).
(16)Reported shares represent number of shares owned as of the last date of Mr. Wiegley’s employment, not including shares held in the 401(k) Plan.
(17)See Notes (3)-(6), and (8)-(10).
(18)See Notes (7) and (11).
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. The number of shares beneficially owned by a person includes shares of common stock subject to options held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 16, 2008. The shares to be issued pursuant to these options are not deemed outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE


Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’sour officers and directors and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’sour equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership on Forms 3, 4 and 45 with the SEC and the American Stock Exchange. Officers, directors, and greater than ten percent stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.NYSE Amex. To the knowledge of management, based solely on its review of such reports, furnished tono person who at any time during the Company, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to the Company’s officers, directors, and greater than ten percent beneficial owners were complied with during thefiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

2009, was a director, officer, or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of any class of equity securities of Westmoreland Coal Company failed to file on a timely basis reports required by Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the most recent fiscal year, except for late Form 4 filings for Messrs. Alessi, Kegley, Myers, O’Laughlin and Paprzycki relating to a July 2009 grant of restricted stock units and late Form 4 filings, made on a Form 5, by Mr. Vicino.


14



As of December 31, 2007 the Company2009, we had stock options and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) outstanding from three shareholder-approved stock plans for employees that were approved by shareholders, two stock incentive plansstockholders, one stockholder-approved plan for employees and non-employee directors approved by shareholders and one stock incentive plan for non-employee directors that was not approved by shareholders.stockholders. The value of a SAR is equal to the appreciation in the market value of a share of the Company’s common stock between the date of grant and the date of exercise. The Company has utilized SARs, and currently intends to settle those SARs in stock, because stock-settled SARs generally require fewer shares than do options to deliver similar incentive to an executive or Board member. In August 2007 shareholders approved the 2007 Equity2000 Nonemployee Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan for Employeesis the only plan not approved by stockholders and Non-Employee Directors, but no stock options or SARs from that plan have been granted or were outstanding as of December 31, 2007.

The employee plans provideprovided for the grant of incentive stock options (“ISOs”), nonqualified options under certain circumstances, SARs,to non-employee directors at the time they were first elected to the Board and restricted stock. Employee ISOs and SARs generally vest over two or three years, expire ten years fromat the datetime of grant and may not have an exercise or base price that is less than the market value of the stock on the date of grant.
The non-employee director plans generally provide for automatic grants of nonqualified stock options or restricted stock to directors when elected, or re-electedeach subsequent re-election to the Board.  The use of SARs with a four year vesting period was approved for awards beginning in 2006.
In 2007, we awarded, but have not yet issued, restricted stock to directors. It is intent ofOctober 2009, the Company to issue these shares at such time as registration ofBoard terminated the shares authorized under2000 Performance Unit Plan, the 2007 Equity2000 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan, the 2000 Nonemployee Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan for Employees and Non-Employee Directors is completed or at the time the restriction has expired. We made no equity awards to employees other than Mr. Alessi.
The following table presents information regarding equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2007 and depicts the total number of securities to be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options and SARs (if settled based on the price of the Common Stock on December 31, 2007), the weighted average exercise prices of the options and the number2002 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan.  The termination of securities available for future issuance.
these plans does not impair the rights of any participant under any award granted pursuant to the plans.  All futu re equity issuances, whether to directors or officers, will be made out of our stockholder-approved 2007 EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
             
        Number of
 
        Securities
 
        Remaining Available
 
  Number of
     for Future Issuance
 
  Securities to be
     Under Equity
 
  Issued Upon
     Compensation Plans
 
  Exercise of
  Weighted Average
  (Excluding
 
  Outstanding
  Exercise Price
  Securities
 
  Options, Warrants
  of Outstanding Options,
  Reflected
 
  and Rights
  Warrants and Rights
  in Column (a))
 
Plan Category
 (a)  (b)  (c) 
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  258,366(1)(2)(3) $17.77(1)  795,144(1)(3)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders  85,000  $14.35   19,176 
Total  343,366(1)(3) $16.92(1)  814,320(1)(3)
plan.


Plan Category

Number of Securities

to be Issued

Upon Exercise of

Outstanding Options

(a)

Weighted Average

Exercise Price

of Outstanding Options

(b)

Number of Securities

Remaining Available for Future

Issuance Under Equity

Compensation Plans

(Excluding Securities

Reflected in Column (a))

(c)

Equity plans approved by security holders

 276,224(1)

$ 19.71

422,722(3)

Equity plans not approved by security holders

 75,000(2)

$ 15.85

0

Total

351,224

$ 18.89

422,722

(1)

Includes no

Excludes SARs to acquire 139,267 shares of Common Stock to be issuedcommon stock with exercise prices above $8.91, the closing price of a share of our common stock as reported on settlement of SARs outstanding atthe NYSE Amex on December 31, 2007, because no SARs were in-the-money as of that date.2009. At December 31, 2007, 294,1992009, 139,267 SARs were outstanding in the employee plans of which 249,059 were vested; those SARs hadwith base prices between $19.365$19.37 and $29.48.

(2)

Excludes SARs to acquire 16,067 shares of common stock with exercise prices above $8.91, the closing price of a share of our common stock as reported on the NYSE Amex on December 31, 2009. At December 31, 2007,2009, 16,067 SARs were outstanding under the director plans of which 4,013 were vested; those SARs hadwith base prices between $23.985 and $25.14. The base prices of the SARs are not reflected in column (b) of this table but are described in this note.

(2)

(3)

Excludes 6,220

Number of securities remaining available for future issuance reflects the reservation of 95,100 shares for issuance to certain employees upon the completion of un-issuedcertain time-based vesting restrictions related to restricted stock granted to directors in 2007.units issued on July 1, 2009.



15


(3)The maximum number of shares of common stock the Company could be required to issue to settle the SARs outstanding in the employee plans at December 31, 2007 is 294,199 if one share of stock is required for each SAR outstanding. Similarly, the maximum number of shares of common stock the Company could be required to issue to settle the SARs outstanding in the director plans at December 31, 2007 is 16,067 if one share of stock is required for each SAR outstanding. (No director or employee SARs were in-the-money at December 31, 2007.) If the Company were required to issue this total number of shares in settlement of its SARs, the total number of securities to be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (column (a)) would be 653,632.


16


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following sets forth certain information with respect to the executive officers of the Company:
Name
Age
Position
Keith E. Alessi(1)53President and Chief Executive Officer
Kevin A. Paprzycki(2)37Chief Financial Officer
John V. O’Laughlin(3)56Vice President, Coal Operations
Todd A. Myers(4)44Vice President, Coal Sales
Morris W. Kegley(5)60General Counsel and Assistant Secretary
(1)Mr. Alessi was elected Interim President and Interim Chief Executive Officer in May 2007 and elected President and Chief Executive Officer in August 2007. He is a member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the audit committee of both Town Sports International Holdings, Inc. and H&E Equipment Services, Inc. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. Mr. Alessi is adjunct lecturer at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.
(2)Mr. Paprzycki joined Westmoreland as Controller and Principal Accounting Officer in June 2006 and was named Chief Financial Officer in April 2008. Prior to joining Westmoreland he held positions at Applied Films Corporation as Corporate Controller from November 2005 to June 2006. From June 2004 to November 2005, he was Chief Financial Officer at Evans and Sutherland Computer Corporation and Director of Finance from June 2001 to November 2004. Mr. Paprzycki became a certified public accountant in 1994, and a certified financial manager and a certified management accountant in 2004.
(3)Mr. O’Laughlin joined Westmoreland in February 2001 as Vice President, Mining, and was named President and General Manager of Dakota Westmoreland Corporation in March 2001. He later became President and General Manager of Western Energy Company and President of Texas Westmoreland Coal Company and was promoted to Vice President of Coal Operations for Westmoreland Coal Company in May 2005. Prior to joining Westmoreland, Mr. O’Laughlin was with Morrison Knudsen Corporation’s mining group for twenty-eight years, most recently as Vice President of Mine Operations which included responsibility for the contract mining services at the Absaloka Mine.
(4)Mr. Myers rejoined Westmoreland in January 2000 as Vice President, Marketing and Business Development and in 2002 became Vice President, Sales and Marketing, now called Vice President, Coal Sales. He originally joined Westmoreland in 1989 as a Market Analyst and was promoted in 1991 to Manager of the Contract Administration Department. He left Westmoreland in 1994. Between 1994 and 2000, he was Senior Consultant and Manager of the environmental consulting group of a nationally recognized energy consulting firm, specializing in coal markets, independent power development, and environmental regulation.
(5)Mr. Kegley joined Westmoreland in October 2005 as Assistant General Counsel and was named General Counsel in August 2007. Prior to joining Westmoreland he held legal positions with Peabody Energy Company from February 2004 to October 2005, AngloGold North America from June 2001 to February 2004, Kennecott Energy Company from August 1998 to June 2001, and Amax Coal Company and Cyprus Amax Minerals Company from February 1981 to July 1998. He is a member of the bar of Indiana, Illinois, Wyoming, and Colorado.


17


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Business Context
We are a U.S.


Westmoreland Coal Company has experienced dramatic changes since its inception in 1854.  Originally focused on underground mining in the Appalachian Basin, we have since divested ourselves of all eastern mining properties and assets, moved our headquarters to the West and purchased five surface coal mining operations.  Since 2001, we have dramatically refocused our energies on becoming an energy company focused on niche coal markets where we take advantage of long-term coal contracts and rail transportation advantages.  To understand our company and the way in which we compensate our executives, it is important to understand our business environment over the last several years and the recent struggles that produces approximately 30 million tons of coalwe have faced.  We believe that fully understanding who we are as a company and generates 1.6 million megawatt hours of electric power annually. We also broker coal for others. Wethe steps we have been mining coal fortaken over 150 years. Between 1992the last several years to position ourselves to forge ahead into the next decade will provide insight into our past compensation practices and 2001the steps we transitioned from primarily underground coal production, most of which wasintend to take in the Eastern United States,future to current production from surfacealign the pay of our executives with creating long-term stockholder value.


Business Environment


Our business is unusual in that a high proportion of our revenues, and therefore cash flows, are contractually set or limited by contractual relationships.  For example, our ROVA power facility is under contract to provide electricity to its sole customer under contracts that run through 2019.  Under the terms of the contract, the rate at which we are paid is set for the contract term and management can only affect profitability of the ROVA division through cost control.  Similarly, our Jewett and Rosebud mines are under long-term contracts that set the terms under which the remaining coal reserves at those mines will be sold.  Once again, management must focus on cost control, standardization, and efficiency in Montana, North Dakota,order to generate cash and Texas. Working in combination with others, we also diversified intoprofits. These circumstances make it incumbent upon management to exercise strong financial and reporting controls as so many of the production of independent power, and we brought eight projects to commercial operations during this period. Our principal power production facility today is in North Carolina. We now employ approximately 1140 people in six states and our Company is ranked as the ninth largest coal producerkey drivers in the country based on tonsbusiness are not controllable. Additionally, since a large pro portion of our coal mined in 2007.

Wesales are contractually committed to specific customers, if a


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customer should suffer an unexpected event that prevents them from accepting coal deliveries, we have relied primarily on asset-based financing, which limitednowhere to sell the amount of free cash available to us from our operations. As a result,committed coal.  Coupled with these long-term contracts, we have been burdened by substantial post-retirement health care liabilities to retirees, and have struggled to generate enough cash constrained overat our operating subsidiaries to fund the pastcost of corporate overhead and these post-retirement liabilities.  Our lack of liquidity has limited our opportunity to consider options that might grow the business.


In 2007, we hired Mr. Keith E. Alessi as Interim Chief Executive Officer at a difficult time in our history when we were not producing cash flows sufficient to fund our operations. Shortly after Mr. Alessi’s arrival, it was discovered that we were facing our second major accounting restatement in two decades. In recognitionyears. The Board charged Mr. Alessi with standardizing our operations, implementing procedures and controls, reducing corporate overhead, stabilizing cash flow and setting a new, focused strategic vision.  From 2007 through the end of this,2008, management radically overhauled the business through staffing changes, elimination of unnecessary perquisites and compensation structures, settling of numerous outstanding litigations, consolidating and leveraging benefits across all business units, standardizing and streamlining financial and business reporting and restructuring all of our major debt arrangements.  Additionally, a new long-term contract was entered into with our sole customer at the Jewett mine.


The Compensation and Benefits Committee have kept cash compensation levels relatively low and flat. This has meant deferring or limiting pay increases(the “Committee”) recognized the unique difficulties presented by our business model and the pay-outtransition period we were undergoing with new leadership and understood the complexity of certainimplementing substantive business growth in troubled economic times that include very tight credit markets.  As such, the Committee sought to put into place a compensation structure that recognized the difficulty of the tasks that management would face.  The Committee did not feel that traditional incentive measurements, such as earnings or cash flow, were appropriate drivers of incentive compensation, earned.

Successful executionas these measurements could not be realistically improved in the short term.  Therefore, individual project-based accountabilities for senior managers were set and up to 45% of their incentive bonuses were tied to achievement of these goals.


Fiscal 2009 – The Year in Review


In 2009, a number of severe and adverse business conditions arose that could not have been anticipated when we set our strategic plan has been predicated on attracting and retainingfiscal year 2009 budgets.  First, there was a talented and highly motivated executive team with a deep technical and operational knowledge ofcatastrophic failure at our largest customer’s power plant that resulted in the energy markets. The skill sets, educational requirements, experience and personal qualities of our executives are in demand by many of our competitors. Atplant being shut down for over six months.  In the same time period, a second large customer also experienced extended down time at its power facility.  Finally, at the end of the third quarter, our ROVA I power plant experienced an unanticipated outage following a scheduled outage, resulting in lost power sales.  These outages combined with overall reduced volume as a result of general economic conditions resulted in significant reductions in revenues and cash flows.  In addition, due to the outages, general economic conditions, and atypical weather conditions that lowered overall coal sales in 2009, we faced several covenant violations of our major debt instruments in 2009, which required the paym ent of penalties and resulted in all of our outstanding debt being reclassified to current. Despite these adverse conditions, our management team was able to:


·

Mitigate potential debt-related issues through the negotiation of reasonable covenant waivers with our WML lenders and the refinancing of our revolving and term debt with First Interstate Bank;

·

Freeze the pension plans and eliminate retiree health care benefits for non-union employees, while implementing an enhanced 401(k) plan to minimize the effects of the pension freeze;

·

Achieve significant cost containment of our post-retirement medical obligations through successful negotiations with the United Mine Workers of America;

·

Implement administrative and healthcare network improvements for our retiree population resulting in substantial cost savings and reduced retiree medical liabilities;

·

Successfully implementing the Indian Coal Production Tax Credit transaction; and

·

Continue standardization of processes and procedures to eliminate redundancies and costs, such as transitioning all non-union employees to the same health, welfare and paid leave plans.


These measures that management implemented during 2009 were taken into account when the individual performance component of annual incentive compensation was considered.


Fiscal 2010 – The Year Ahead


In light of the unique nature of our business, the fact that we have had to addressno true comparables given the financial constraints imposed on us in transforming our company from a mature but struggling enterprise to a more financially stable one with sustainable positive cash flow. The relatively small numbercost-plus nature of our shares outstanding has limited our abilitylong-term contracts and the changing compensation landscape, the Committee, with the assistance of Buck Consultants (a newly-hired Committee compensation consultant), intends to deliver long-term incentives at the level of value typically indicated for a company in this stage of the business cycle. Therefore, compensation levels for our executives have changed only minimally from prior years’ levels.

The competition for executive talent in the energy industry has always been considerable, but never more so than today as the worldwide demand for energy has risen to new levels, increasing the pressure on energy companies to permit and construct new power generation facilities, find and develop new fuel reserves, extract resources under challenging geological conditions, comply with new environmental and reclamation requirements, manage higher production costs associated with dramatic increases in the prices of key supplies such as diesel fuel and electricity, and address the scarcity of supplies such as tires. Unwanted turnover among our key executives could be very costly to our shareholders. Therefore,thoroughly review our executive compensation program has been designedfor 2011.  The Committee intends to supportreview our long-termcurrent peer group, compensation components, including executive incentives, the need for additional policies, such as a clawback, and the overall manner in which we attract and retain our key executives to ensure that our compensation philosophy and programs are properly aligned with our strategic business objectives as well as addressand do not incentivize imprudent risk-taking behavior.  In addition, due to the realitiespension freeze implemented in July 2009, the Company intends to review total compensation packages for executives in light of the changes in the executive’s retirement benefits.


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Table of Contents


General Compensation Practices and Philosophy


Our current philosophy is to compensate executives with competitive market for talent.

It is the intention of the Compensationsalaries and Benefits Committeelong-term incentive programs that link their total pay with our performance.  Our named executive officers are at-will employees and do not have employment agreements. In addition, we do not provide any perquisites to set the compensation levels of our executives at appropriate levels in line with stated compensation principles and objectives discussed below, in part through the use of long-term equity awards.
Compensation Principles and Objectives
executives.  Our executive compensation program has been designed to provide a total compensation package that allows usis intended to attract, retain, reward, and motivate our executives with the business and technical knowledge necessary to capably manage our business.
Our executive compensation program is guided by several key principles:
• Target compensation levels that are at least at the median of our industry, peer group and the markets in which we compete for executive talent;
• Structure executive compensation to reflect our business situation;
• 


·

Design a program that is simple, easy to understand, incents performance and aligns with long-term stockholder interests by using equity awards;

·

Target compensation levels that are competitive with our industry and the markets in which we compete for executive talent;

·

Structure compensation to reflect our business situation;

·

Link pay to performance by making a substantial percentage of total executive compensation variable, or “at risk,” by relying on annual and long-term incentive compensation programs;

• Use equity awards to align executive compensation with shareholder interests; and


18


• Provide a total compensation program that emphasizes direct compensation over indirect compensation such as perquisites and other benefits.
Notwithstanding the foregoing principles, in 2007, we issued equity incentives covering 100,000 shares, all of which were subject to vesting and were issued to Mr. Alessi when he joined the Company.
Establishing the Executive Compensation Program
Our executive compensation variable or “at risk”; and

·

Provide a compensation program takes into considerationthat emphasizes direct compensation as opposed to perquisites and other benefits.


The Committee is responsible for setting the total mix of components that encompass our compensation program, which currently includes base salary, annual incentive and long-term compensation.  As has been our historical practice, in general, our compensation components are targeted as follows:  60% base salary, 25% incentive compensation and 15% long-term compensation in the form of equity.  This compensation mix has been appropriate due to our past economic hardships and the transitional nature of the business.  In 2009, utilizing peer and survey data, we analyzed and determined that our total cash compensation program was competitive with said data and felt that maintaining the current mix of cash components was appropriate at that time.  Due to the methodologies for evaluating equity and the poor performance of our stock, we were unable to perform a solid analysis of the available data, which might have resulted in an adjustment of our long - -term equity compensation component. While we feel that the components are the proper mix of compensation for attracting and retaining key executives, increasing our long-term profitability and building stockholder value, the Committee, with the assistance of Buck Consultants, will be analyzing our compensation components to determine if our current allocation of components is the most appropriate for meeting our objectives and business situation, the marketplacestrategy.


Compensation Methodology


Peer Comparisons and Survey Data


In 2009, compensation was evaluated using national, broad-based industry survey data, internal equity for similar positions and proxy data of a meaningful peer group for benchmark analysis. In creating our past practices,peer group, we noted that there are very few comparably-sized publicly-traded coal companies to align ourselves with for comparative purposes. In addition, a third of our executive team comes from segments other than mining. With these two factors in mind, we benchmarked ourselves relative to a peer group of companies with similar revenue and employee base.  Revenue and employee base are used as reference points to determine the composition of the peer group because they provide a reasonable basis for comparing like positions and scopes of responsibilities. The companies included in the peer group differ from those listed in the indices used to prepare our stock price performance graph, which can be found in our 2009 Annual Report to Stockholders. We felt that t he companies listed in the compensation peer group more closely represent the employment markets in which we compete for executive talent. In 2009, our peer group consisted of the following companies, as compared to our coal segment:


Name

Business

Revenues in Millions ($)

Employees

Westmoreland Coal Company

Coal Mining (Coal Segment Only)

420

1118

Atheros Communications Inc.

Wireless/wire communication products

472

1079

PMC-Sierra, Inc.

Semiconductor solutions

525

1064

James River Coal Company

Coal Mining

568

1750

Rhino Resources Partners, L.P.

(as of 12/31/2007)

Coal Mining

403

875

Horsehead Holding Corp.

(as of 12/31/2007)

Zinc producer

546

1080

Affymetrix, Inc.

Genetic analysis businesses

410

1128

Zeeco Instruments, Inc.

Solutions for HB-LED and solar

442

1195

Northwest Pipe

Large diameter steel pipeline systems

439

1217

Churchill Downs, Inc.

Pari-Mutuel wagering properties

430

1000

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

Science-based personal care/ nutrition

429

948

Maidenform Brands, Inc.

Intimate apparel

413

1120

California Water Service Group

Treatment and distribution of water

410

929

Calgon Carbon Corporation

Water and air purifiers

400

943

Reddy Ice Holdings

Packaged ice manufacturer

329

1400


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Table of Contents


In 2009, we used Economic Research Institute, CompAnalyst and Hay Group market data as additional comparison points. Total market data was compared with individual pay for each position, and “compa-ratios” were determined. Compa-ratios are an individual’s current salary divided by the reference point of the market data. For example, if an individual’s salary is $125,000 and the mid-point of the market data for that position was $100,000, the compa-ratio for that individual would be 125%, meaning such person is earning 25% greater than the average of the market.


Internal Pay Equity


The Committee considers internal pay equity when making compensation decisions. However, the Committee does not use a fixed ratio or formula when comparing compensation among executive officers. Our CEO is compensated at a higher level than other executive officers due to his significantly greater level of experience, accountability and talentsresponsibility.  Mr. Alessi’s total cash compensation was 4.52 times greater than the average of our four other named executive officers, which differential includes his 2009 special discretionary bonus. We feel that each individualMr. Alessi’s cash compensation for 2009 as compared to the other named executive bringsofficers is appropriate based on his significant contributions in refocusing our business since 2007 and the relatively modest cash compensation of our executive team.  Since joining us in 2007, Mr. Alessi has received no base pay increases, modest special discretionary bonuses and has forfeited over 60% of his initial equity grant.  Our next highest paid named executive officer makes 1.29 times our lowest paid named executive officer.  We believe such internal pay equity highlights the reasonableness of the dispersion of pay to our company. At Westmoreland,named executive officers.  


Compensation Administration and the Compensation and Benefits Committee, a committeeRole of the Board of Directors consisting of three independent directors, administers our executive compensation program. Management in Determining Executive Compensation


The Compensation and Benefits Committee establishes our overall compensation strategy to ensure that our executives are rewarded appropriately and that executive compensation supports our business strategy and objectives.

A further description At the beginning of the dutiescalendar year, each executive sets personal performance goals, which are approved by the CEO for the executive team and responsibilitiesby the Committee for the CEO, targeted to positively influence stockholder’s value.  At the end of the Compensation and Benefits Committee can be found in “Corporate Governance — Information on Board and Committees” above.
Setting Compensation Targets
In general, our executive compensation programcalendar year, performance is intended to deliver compensation that is competitive within our industry and the markets in which we compete for executive talent. In making executive compensation decisions, we are guidedevaluated by the CEO, for the other named executive officers, and by the Board, for the CEO, against the previous year’s goals and individual accomplishments during the year.  The Committee reviews and approves the compensation, principles described above. However, fulfillment of these objectives has been limited by our cash constraintsincluding base salaries, annual incentives, long-term incentives, and the relatively small pool of shares available for stock options and grants prior to approval of the 2007 Equity Plan for Employees and Non-employee Directors. We also consider historical compensation levels, competitive pay practices at the companies in our peer group, and the relative compensation levelsother benefits, of our named executive officers. We mayThe Committee also consider industry conditions, industry life cycle, corporate performance as compared to internal goals as well as toreviews and approves the peer group andcompensation for other key executives who are not identified in this report.  Generally, the overall effectivenessannual incentive bonuses are paid out during the first quarter of the calendar year while increases to base salaries occur at the beginning of the second quarter.  Long-term incentives, which are based on management tiers, are typically awarded on July 1st of each year.


While the Committee has the responsibility to monitor and approve all compensation program in achieving desired results.

Our program offersfor our named executive officers, management also plays an important role in determining executive compensation. At the opportunityCommittee’s request, management recommends appropriate company-wide and mine financial and non-financial performance goals. Management works with the Committee to be compensated above establish the agenda and prepare meeting information for each Committee meeting. In addition, the CEO assists the Committee by providing his evaluation of the performance of the executive officers who report directly to him, and recommends compensation levels for such officers. The Committee also has a process for soliciting from the CEO a candid and critical self-assessment of his own performance, which is used to assist the Committee and the Board in their evaluation of the CEO’s performance.  The CEO is not present during the Committee’s evaluation and each director provides an independent analysis of the CEO’s performance.


Role of Compensation Consultants


The Committee has the authority to retain consultants directly; however, the Committee did not retain a consultant for fiscal year 2009.  For 2009, the Committee, through management, obtained survey information from an executive compensation consulting firm, the Hay Group, for executives in the mining industry.  This survey data, together with proxy data from companies in similar industries and/or below target, depending upon various measures of performance. As a result,similar size, was studied by management and the Committee during 2009.  In February 2010, the Committee hired Buck Consulting to serve as the Committee’s compensation consultant to assist the Committee in thoroughly reviewing our executive compensation program is designed to result in compensation to our executives that can be significantly above target in times of relatively superior performance and significantly below target in times of relatively poor performance.

As targeted total compensation levels are determined, the Compensation and Benefits Committee also determines the portion of total compensation that will be contingent, performance-based pay. Performance-based pay generally includes cash bonuses under the annual incentive plan primarily for achievement of specified performance objectives and cash generated, and stock-based or similar incentive compensation whose value is dependent upon long-term or relative appreciation in our stock price.
The Compensation and Benefits Committee periodically reviews its performance and the effectiveness of our compensation program in obtaining desired results.
The Compensation-Setting Process
The compensation-setting process is described in more detail above under “Corporate Governance — Executive and Director Compensation Processes”.
Peer Comparisons
In 2007, the Compensation and Benefits Committee worked with Mr. Alessi to evaluate our internal compensation structure and did not use a comparative peer group. In 2008, it is the Committee’s intent to formulate a meaningful peer group for comparative analyses. The discussion that follows describes our past use of peer comparisons.
The Compensation and Benefits Committee has periodically benchmarked the competitiveness of our compensation programs to determine how well our actual compensation levels compare to our overall
future periods.


19


philosophy and target markets. Our historic benchmarking peer group has consisted of other mining and energy companies, with a focus on size based on revenues. The committee believes revenue is an appropriate reference point for determining the composition of the peer group because it provides a reasonable basis for comparing like positions and scope of responsibility.
The most recent peer group used by the Compensation and Benefits Committee was selected in 2006 based on the recommendation of Mercer. The peer group included Alliance Resource Partners, Cabot Oil and Gas Corp., Cimarex Energy Co., Comstock Resources, Inc., Denbury Resources, Inc., Houston Exploration Co., Plains Exploration and Production Co., Range Resources Co., St. Mary Land and Exploration Co. and Swift Energy Co. The proxy statements of this peer group are used for comparison purposes in regard to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other named executive officers. Given the changing nature of our business and industry, the companies included in the peer group will vary from year to year, and it is the Compensation and Benefits Committee’s intent in 2008 to again thoroughly review the peer group and make changes as appropriate. The Compensation and Benefits Committee also reviews industry-wide compensation survey data. Because of the relatively small size of our company compared to the other publicly-traded coal companies, the Compensation and Benefits Committee receives compensation data for other publicly traded coal companies for informational purposes only.
Components of the Executive Compensation Program
AllPrograms


Our executive compensation program consists of three main elements:


Base Salary


In determining base salaries, each executive’s role and responsibility, applicable experience, unique skills, past performance, future potential with us, salary levels for similar positions (compa-ratios), and internal equity are considered.  Starting in 2010, the Committee was guided in its base salary determinations by a merit matrix that takes into account compa-ratios and performance.  This matrix, which was utilized for all employees, including our named executive officers, except Mr. Alessi,allowed the Committee to approve recommended base pay increases out of the available merit pool, which was set at 2.5% for 2010.  For example, an outstanding performing executive who has a low compa-ratio, such as 80%, would be eligible for a 4% merit increase, while, conversely, a lower performing executive with a high compa-ratio, such as 120%, would not be eligible for a merit increase.


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Annual Incentive Compensation

The annual incentive plan is intended to provide variable compensation awarded for performance based on strategic goals and objectives.  The incentive pay is based on financial performance and personal performance, while executives with direct mining operational responsibility also have a safety component.  If the thresholds for the financial and safety components are compensated under an executive compensation program which consists of three elements:

not met, then no payout is made for that particular component. The annual incentive plan goals for fiscal year 2009 were set by the Committee in March 2009 and encompassed the following:


GOAL

• 

COMPONENTS

Base salary,

PERCENT OF

TOTAL BONUS

Financial

• 

Threshold = Annual budgeted operating income of the mine/ division1

·

50% of goal will be paid out upon meeting the threshold

·

Between 50% to 100% of goal will be paid out upon exceeding the threshold by 7.5%

·

Between 100% and 200% of goal will be paid out upon exceeding the threshold by 15%

Annual incentive compensation, and

·

40% for mine operational executives

·

55% for corporate office executives

Safety

• 

Threshold = Annual National Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) average for reportable incident rate for surface mines in the coal industry2

·

50% of goal will be paid out upon meeting the threshold

·

Between 50% to 100% of goal will be paid out upon exceeding the threshold by 25%

·

Between 100% and 200% of goal will be paid out upon exceeding the threshold by 50%

Long-term incentive compensation.

·

30% for mine operational executives

·

Not applicable for corporate executives

Individual

The percentage payout is evaluated on achievement of certain individual goals established between the executive and the CEO (or, in the case of the CEO, between him and the Committee) and will be based on the executive’s overall performance. An executive may receive greater than 100% payout for the individual goal based on exemplary performance, as approved by the Committee.

·

30% for mine operational executives

·

45% for corporate office executives


1   In 2009, annual budgeted operating income for Messrs. Alessi, Kegley, and Paprzycki was ($5.416) million.  The 2009 actual operating income was ($29.162) million. In 2009, annual budgeted operating income for Messrs. Myers and O’Laughlin was $26.473 million.  The 2009 actual operating income was $0.467 million.

2   In 2009, the average national reportable incident rate was 2.11, which is a calculation based on total hours worked and reportable incidents.  In 2009, the average reportable incident rate for the mines Mr. O’Laughlin oversaw was 1.38.    


In February 2010, the Committee approved annual incentive compensation payouts for performance in fiscal year 2009.  As the 2009 financial component threshold was not met, there was no financial component payout. As such, the entire incentive compensation payout was based on the individual performance component, except for Mr. O’Laughlin, whose incentive payout also included a safety component payout.


Target vs. Actual Annual Incentive Bonuses
Paid for 2009 Performance

Name

Percentage of Total Compensation

Target Cash Incentive Bonus

Percentage of Target Bonus Approved

Total Cash Bonus

Keith E. Alessi

70%

$411,923

90%

$370,731

John V. O’Laughlin

50%

$112,611

71%

$80,535

Kevin A. Paprzycki

40%

$85,230

45%

$38,354

Morris W. Kegley

40%

$85,385

90%

$76,847

Todd A. Myers

40%

$93,314

90%

$83,983


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Base SalaryTable of Contents

Base salary is


Long-Term Incentive


Long-term incentive awards are designed to compensatealign the interests of our named executive officers atexecutives with those of our stockholders.  In 2009, we moved from options to restricted stock units with a fixed levelthree-year vest to more appropriately incentivize our executives.  Long-term equity awards for 2009 were made on July 1, 2009 based on a tiered system that provides an identical number of compensationrestricted stock units to executives in that serves astier, which awards are between approximately 20% and 40% of such executive’s base salary compensation.  To determine the number of restricted stock units awarded to a retention tool throughout the executive’s career. In determining base salaries, the Compensation and Benefits Committee considers each executive’s role and responsibility, unique skills, future potential with our company, salary levels for similar positions in our target market, and internal pay equity. Our compensation philosophy is to target base salaries at the 60th percentile for each named executive officer since our incentive compensation levels have typically been far below target and market median levels.

In general,in a given tier, the Committee multiplies the assigned percentage of base salary is intended to represent approximately 30%compensation, such as 20%, times the average of the overall compensation package, assuming that we are achieving targeted performance levels for our incentive programs.
Salary levels remained constant during 2007 for mostbase salaries of our senior management. Mr. Alessi received an increase from $40,000 per month to $50,000 per month at the time he was elected President and CEO, and increases were made in other special circumstances such as where an increase in responsibility occurred.
Annual Incentive Compensation
The Annual Incentive Plan is intended to provide incentive compensation at the median level for targeted performance levels.
The Compensation and Benefits Committee provides our executives, including our named executive officers, with the opportunity to earn an annual cash incentive award each year. Our annual incentive plan is designed to reward the achievement of specific, pre-established financial and operational objectives. In 2007, it also included a personal performance component designed to reward individual effort and performance.
In 2007, we established performance objectives for our named executive officers. Target levels for those with direct operational responsibility were based on the safety of our operations (35% weight) and our financial performance (30% weight). Award opportunities also included a personal performance component


20


(35% weight) to recognize the relative contributions of each named executive officer to the accomplishment of strategic objectives, outstanding performance, special efforts, and similar factors. Better than industry average safety performance is required for a payout under the safety component. Better than budgeted cash and pretax income generated is required for payout under the financial objectives. For those with no direct operational responsibly, the primary performance objective was our financial performance (55%) and a personal performance component (45%), as described above.
The formula used to calculate the payout under each annual incentive award is (i) the performance in each of the areas as determined by operational responsibility — safety, financial and personal performance — multiplied by (ii) the weightall individuals assigned to each area; which in turnsuch tier.  The resulting number is multiplieddivided by the (iii) the executive’s tier level, which is a percentage of the executive’s base salary, and is then multiplied by (iv) the executive’s base salary. The sum of the payout of each component represents the total annual incentive payout.
The safety objective compares the lost-time incident rate of our mine operations to nation-wide surface mine industry averages as reported by the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Two components were selected to reflect our financial performance in 2007. The first component was the “net increase in budgeted cash.” To determine the net increase in budgeted cash, we compare the actual net increase in cash and cash equivalents for the applicable business unit for the relevant period, as derived from the statement of cash flows for the business unit, to the net increase in cash and cash equivalents in that business unit’s budget for that period. Net increase in budgeted cash therefore takes into account operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities, to the extent applicable to the business unit, and compares the results of those activities to the budgets for the business units approved by our board. For an executive to receive his targeted bonus for 2007, the executive’s business unit was required to achieve a 7.5% net increase in budgeted cash in 2007. The second component related to 2007 pretax income. For an executive to receive his targeted bonus for 2007, the executive’s business unit was required to achieve a 7.5% increase in pretax income, as compared to the pretax income set forth in the business unit’s budget for 2007.
The personal performance component is based upon the individual results and accomplishments of each participant and is approved by the Compensation and Benefits Committee. The full Board of Directors participated in the review and award of 2007 annual incentive awards for our named executive officers and senior-level executives and managers.
In 2007, the bonus targets for our named executive officers, set according to the executive’s tier level, ranged from 25% to 60% of base salary. Maximum payouts are capped at two times the targeted percent of salary. Actual awards are shown by individual in the 2007 Summary Compensation table below.
In general, we pay incentive bonuses in the year following the annual performance period. Due to cash constraints in 2006, annual incentive amounts earned for 2005 performance, which would have normally been paid in 2006, were deferred for our named executive officers and paid in the first quarter of 2007. Annual incentive amounts earned in 2007 were paid in the first quarter of 2008.
Mr. Alessi does not participate in the corporate annual incentive plan. Instead, he is eligible for, and was paid in 2008, a personal performance bonus for 2007 equal to 120% of his salary paid in 2007. Mr. Alessi’s bonus was based upon his successful execution of several priorities, given by the Board of Directors, that included the reduction of corporate overhead, improvement of financial reporting processes, consolidation of functions at the Company’s mining operations and the completion of certain transactions that strengthened the Company’s core business.
In addition to the incentive award practices above, in any year the Compensation and Benefits Committee has the discretion to approve a special President’s Award to executive officers, key management, and administrative staff recognizing outstanding individual leadership, effort, and contribution to the strategic success of our company. Recommendations for this special award are made exclusively by our Chief Executive Officer, or in the case where the Chief Executive Officer is a recipient, the Compensation and Benefits Committee determines that award. No President’s Awards were made in 2007 to any of the named executive officers.


21


Long-Term Incentive Compensation
In 2007, we issued equity incentives covering 100,000 shares, all of which were subject to vesting and were issued to Mr. Alessi when he joined the Company. The discussion that follows describes our approach to long-term incentive compensation in prior years.
General.  One component of our executive compensation program is the use of long-term incentives. The Compensation and Benefits Committee believes that long-term incentive compensation may help attract and retain executive talent and provides executives with incentives to maximize thefair value of our shareholders’ investments in the Company. In 2000, the Board of Directors adopted a Performance Unit Plan, or the 2000 PUP, as part of our long-term incentive program because an insufficient number of shares were available for issuance under shareholder-approved equity plans to support our program. The 2000 PUP offers the opportunity for cash or stock to be earned based on the absolute or relative performance of our stock over three year periods. The 2000 PUP is intended to provide a strong link between executive performance and the enhancement of shareholder value.
Long-term incentive awards for executives are based on a tier structure which targets a percentage of salary, adjusted for market conditions. The annualized value of the long-term incentive awards for our named executive officers is generally intended to be the largest component of our total compensation package. However, again as a result of cash constraints and the limited number of stock options, stock grants and stock appreciation rights available to the Company, award values have frequently been set below the 50th percentile of market and have delivered even less value over most performance periods.
Timing of Grants Disclosure and Rationale.  Except for certain initial awards granted as of the date of hire for new executives, the timing of long-term incentive compensation awards is typically July 1st and intended to allow for the continuity of awards from year-to-year. The Compensation and Benefits Committee approves the award types, amounts and award terms and conditions for each award to our named executive officers. It delegates administration of the plan to our Human Resources and Investor Relations Departments. To achieve continuity, the awards, and specifically, the actual number of shares to be awarded to each named executive officer is approved at a meeting of the Compensation and Benefits Committee held generally in the week prior to July 1st in each year. The grant date, or effective date, of each award is set by the Compensation and Benefits Committee as July 1st in each year. We do not engage in the practice of timing grants with the release of non-public information.
Framework.  In 2005 and 2006, awards under our long-term incentive compensation plan consisted of stock appreciation rights, or SARs, which were intended to approximate 60% of the total value of the long-term incentive award, and performance units, which represented the remaining 40% of intended award value. These award vehicles were selected by the Compensation and Benefits Committee due to their performance orientation and to conserve shares available under approved equity plans. The use of SARs required the commitment of fewer shares than restricted stock or stock options. A key feature of these vehicles was their link to our stock price. No awards were made in 2007 as described above.
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs).  The award of SARs was designed to maximize long-term shareholder value since awards have no value unless our stock increases after the award date. SARs have been a key component of executive compensation at our company. SARs were granted under the shareholder approved 2002 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan, or the 2002 Plan. We have granted SARs to our named executive officers because stock-settled SARs generally require fewer shares than do options to deliver similar value to an executive. Under the 2002 Plan, the exercise price of options and SARs is set to be not less than the market price of our common stock on the grant date. Indate to determine the number of restricted stock units granted to such tier, rounded for ease of administration.


Long-Term Incentive Awards for 2009

Name

Long-Term Incentive Tier

Number of Restricted Stock Units

Grant Date Fair Value of RSUs ($)

Keith E. Alessi

40%

30,000

245,100

John V. O’Laughlin

30%

8,400

68,628

Kevin A. Paprzycki

20%

5,600

45,752

Morris W. Kegley

20%

5,600

45,752

Todd A. Myers

20%

5,600

45,752


Post-Employment Benefits


We have a severance policy that provides, under certain circumstances, our executives with twelve months of base pay, in addition optionto nine months of outplacement assistance and 12 months of health benefits at the same cost share as active employees.  Payment under the severance policy is triggered upon the following events: involuntary termination that is not for cause, such as a layoff; the sale of a facility or SAR re-pricing is expressly prohibited.

Awards generally vest over a period of three years, with one-third becoming exercisable on each anniversary of the grant date as longdivision, such as the executive is still employed by us on the datesale of vesting. The Compensationa specific mine; and Benefits Committee selected a three-year vesting periodposition being relocated at least fifty miles. Except for this severance policy, we do not guarantee or provide any other cash compensation or benefits to reinforce the link between these incentives and our long-term performance. Awards generally expire after ten years. SARs only have value if our stock price appreciates after the dayexecutives upon their departure from Westmoreland. For full walk-away amounts for each of grant.


22


Although awards generally vest over three years, on December 30, 2005, we accelerated the vesting of all unvested SARs previously awarded to executive officers and other employees under the 2002 Plan, including those granted during 2005. The decision to accelerate the vesting of these SARs was made primarily to reduce the compensation expense that would have been recorded in future periods following our adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123, “Share Based Payment (revised 2004),” or FAS 123R, effective January 1, 2006.
Performance Units.  Performance units have been granted in the past to our named executive officers underupon the 2000 PUPhappening of certain events, such as involuntary termination without cause or change-in-control, see “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION FOR 2009-Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control”below.


Summary of Named Executive Officer Compensation


Keith E. Alessi:  President and Chief Executive Officer

Total Cash Received

for 2009

2009 Base Salary

Bonus for 2009

# of RSUs / Grant Date Fair Value

of 2009 RSUs

$1,309,1921

$600,000

$720,7312

30,000 RSUs/ $245,100


(1) Mr. Alessi’s actual base salary earnings for 2009 of $588,461 were less than his annualized base salary of $600,000 as he did not accept the role of CEO until the end of January.

(2) Mr. Alessi’s bonus for 2009 included his annual incentive plan bonus of $370,731, as well as a special discretionary bonus of $350,000.


Base Salary


The Committee kept Mr. Alessi’s base salary at $600,000 for 2010, noting that such base pay was appropriate in lieulight of stock options or grants. As with options or grants,available peer group information.  With the 2000 PUP was designedassistance of Buck Consulting, the Committee intends to link employees’ long-term economic interest with those of our shareholders. Use oftake a multi-year performance period emphasized the importance of longer-term results and the enhancement of the value of shareholders’ investments.

Each performance unit entitled the recipient to receive a payment in cash or stock,holistic look at the electionCEO’s total compensation package, including his base salary, to determine if Mr. Alessi is receiving not only the proper amount of compensation, but the proper mix of compensation components.


Annual Incentive Compensation


Financial Component: As we failed to meet our 2009 financial component threshold, the Committee awarded no payout for the financial component.


Individual Component:Mr. Alessi’s individual component performance goals for 2009 were as follows:


·

Provide direction to the senior management team;

·

Assure adequate liquidity to allow for continued operations;

·

Reduce and/or eliminate heritage costs; and

·

Standardize the Information Technology function.


17


Table of Contents


The Committee felt Mr. Alessi did an excellent job in all functional areas in fiscal year 2009 and Benefitsexpressed their pleasure with his overall performance navigating the difficulties that arose throughout the year. As such, the Committee subject toawarded Mr. Alessi 200% of his individual component based on the following: his leadership during two unscheduled outages at customer facilities, as well as an unscheduled outage at ROVA; his excellent job in controlling those costs that are controllable; the achievement of certain key milestones in 2009, including those associated with heritage costs, pension and post-retirement medical liabilities; his performance metrics measured over a three-year performance period fromin managing our liquidity issues throughout the dateyear; the successful closing of the grant. The CompensationIndian Coal Production Tax Credit transaction; and Benefits Committee has also elected to defer full payment of amounts earned over time.

As described in more detail below under “Executive Compensation — Grants of Plan-Based Awards,” the value of each performance unit under the 2000 PUP is a function of three separate components, each expressed as a percentage, measured over the three-year performance period: total shareholder return, total shareholder return relative to two market indices and return on shareholders’ equity. These three performance measures and the goals set by the Compensation and Benefits Committee were selected to be consistent with the compensation principle of aligning executive incentive compensation to shareholder interest.
Performance units vest in one-third annual increments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of the grant. The Compensation and Benefits Committee selected a three-year vesting period to reinforce the link between these incentives and our long-term performance.
Awards under the 2000 PUP were grantedexcellent progress in the years2000-2002development of staff and2004-2006. succession planning.


Safety Component:  Not applicable.


Discretionary Bonus


The CompanyCommittee awarded stock optionsMr. Alessi a special discretionary bonus of $350,000 in recognition of his exemplary work since joining us in 2007.  As discussed above under “Business Environment,” Mr. Alessi joined Westmoreland at a very difficult time in our history and has taken great strides to implement its long-term incentive program in 2003. Those units granted in 2002substantially change our landscape, including standardizing our operations, implementing procedures and 2004 that vested in 2005controls, reducing corporate overhead, stabilizing cash flow and setting a new, focused strategic vision.  From 2007 resulted in no value and no payments because we did not achieve the aggressive performance targets established in 2002 and 2004. Performance units granted in 2005 will be valued atthrough the end of the performance period occurring at the end of June 2008 and performance units granted in 2006 will be valued at the end2009, Mr. Alessi led a radical overhaul of the performance period occurringbusiness through staffing changes, elimination of unnecessary perquisites and compensation structures, settling of numerous outstanding litigations, consolidating and leveraging benefits across all business units, standardizing and streamlining financial and business reporting and restructuring all of our major debt arrangements.


Long-Term Incentive Compensation


Mr. Alessi was awarded long-term equity at the enda targeted 40% of June 2009. Based onbase salary, which is a higher tier than the Company’s stock performance as of December 31, 2007, the performance units granted in 2005 and 2006 were not “in-the money,” meaning if settled at that time, they would result in no payments. No performance units were granted in 2007 and it is the intent of the Company to simplify its long-term incentive compensation by using other forms of equity awards rather than performance units.

Tax Deductibility Policy
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, generally disallows a tax deduction for certain compensation in excess of $1 million paid to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and our other named executive officers.  The CompensationCommittee felt such higher tier level was warranted due to Mr. Alessi’s direct responsibility for overseeing the entire organization, as well as direct responsibility for our company’s profits and Benefitslosses.


 

 

 

 

Kevin A. Paprzycki:  Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Cash Received

for 2009

2009 Base Salary

Bonus for 2009

# of RSUs / Grant Date Fair Value

of 2009 RSUs

 

 

$245,3541

$207,000

$38,354

5,600 RSUs/ $45,752

 

 


(1) Mr. Paprzycki’s actual base salary earnings for 2009 of $213,076.95 were more than his annualized base salary due to the extra pay period in 2009.

 

 

 

 


Base Salary


The Committee reservesawarded Mr. Paprzycki a 2.5% merit increase to his base salary for 2010, bringing his base salary to $212,175 effective as of April 1, 2010.  Mr. Paprzycki’s 2.5% merit increase was based on a commendable performance rating and a compa-ratio of 102% of peer and survey data.  The Committee feels Mr. Paprzycki’s base salary is appropriate given his relative years of experience compared to other chief financial officers and the rightscope of responsibilities, which does not currently include treasury or investor relations.


Annual Incentive Compensation


Financial Component: As we failed to use its judgmentmeet our 2009 financial component threshold, the Committee awarded no payout for the financial component.


Individual Component:Mr. Paprzycki’s individual component performance goals for 2009 were as follows:


·

Timely completion of financial closes, operational packages delivered to authorize compensation paymentsmanagement, quarterly board of director packages and SEC filings per target schedule; and

·

Improvements to forecasting process, including implementation of rolling forecast for each quarter end, more valuable forecast change information, and system-loaded forecasts that may exceed $1 million when it believes such payments are appropriategenerate financials by the second quarter of 2009.


The Committee approved a 100% individual component payout for Mr. Paprzycki as he timely completed all financial closes and delivered operational packages to management and quarterly board of director packages and SEC filings per the target schedule. In addition, Mr. Paprzycki made improvements to our forecasting process, including implementation of rolling forecast for each quarter end, more valuable forecast change information, and system-loaded forecasts that generate financials by the second quarter of 2009.


Safety Component:  Not applicable.


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Table of Contents


Long-Term Incentive Compensation


The Committee awarded Mr. Paprzycki 5,400 restricted stock units based on his placement in the best interests20% long-term incentive tier, as discussed above.


 

 

 

 

Morris W. Kegley:  General Counsel and Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Cash Received

for 2009

2009 Base Salary

Bonus for 2009

# of RSUs / Grant Date Fair Value

of 2009 RSUs

 

 

$290,3101

$207,375

$76,847

5,600 RSUs/ $45,752

 

 


(1) Mr. Kegley’s actual base salary earnings for 2009 of $213,463.15 were more than his annualized base salary due to the extra pay period in 2009.

 

 

 

 


Base Salary


The Committee awarded Mr. Kegley a 4.0% merit increase to his base salary for 2010, bringing his base salary to $215,671 effective as of April 1, 2010.  Mr. Kegley’s 4.0% merit increase was based on an outstanding performance rating and a compa-ratio of 78% of peer and survey data.  The Committee feels Mr. Kegley’s base salary is appropriate given his limited experience relating to corporate governance and SEC-related disclosure and compliance for which he has hired an attorney specializing in such areas whom he oversees.


Annual Incentive Compensation


Financial Component: As we failed to meet our 2009 financial component threshold, the Committee awarded no payout for the financial component.


Individual Component:Mr. Kegley’s individual component performance goals for 2009 were as follows:


·

Provide legal support for the successful conclusion of employee litigation; and

·

Provide legal support for Phase 1 negotiations with the UMWA on retiree health costs.


The Committee approved a 200% individual performance payout for Mr. Kegley due to his exemplary negotiation work with the UMWA.  During the second quarter of 2009, Mr. Kegley was able to successfully negotiate a settlement of the Aguilar judgment. In the fourth quarter of 2009, Mr. Kegley successfully completed Phase 1 of the multi-year process to contain costs relating to retiree medical benefits, negotiating a new prescription drug program that is projected to save significant costs and reduce liabilities.


Safety Component:  Not applicable.


Long-Term Incentive Compensation


The Committee awarded Mr. Kegley 5,400 restricted stock units based on his placement in the 20% long-term incentive tier, as discussed above.


 

 

 

 

Todd A. Myers:  Vice President – Coal Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Cash Received

for 2009

2009 Base Salary

Bonus for 2009

# of RSUs / Grant Date Fair Value

of 2009 RSUs

 

 

$317,2701

$226,633

$83,983

5,600 RSUs/ $45,752

 

 


(1) Mr. Myers’s actual base salary earnings for 2009 of $233,286.70 were more than his annualized base salary due to the extra pay period in 2009.

 

 

 

 


Base Salary


The Committee awarded Mr. Myers a 3.0% merit increase to his base salary for 2010, bringing his base salary to $233,432 effective as of April 1, 2010.  Mr. Myer’s 3.0% merit increase was based on a commendable performance rating and a compa-ratio of 95% of peer and survey data.  The Committee feels Mr. Myers’ base salary is appropriate given his institutional knowledge of the business and our customer base and his leadership in strategic efforts and initiatives.


Annual Incentive Compensation


Financial Component: As we failed to meet our 2009 financial component threshold, the Committee awarded no payout for the financial component.


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Table of Contents


Individual Component:Mr. Myers’ individual component performance goals for 2009 were as follows:


·

Absaloka Coal Private Letter Ruling for Indian Coal Tax Production Credit; and

·

Renew expiring coal contracts for Xcel, Western Fuels, and MERC.


The Committee approved a 200% individual performance payout for Mr. Myers due to his continued work and efforts in 2009 to secure the Indian Coal Production Tax Credit for coal produced at WRI.  The final IRS Private Letter Ruling was received in 2009, completing the final steps of the tax credit transaction.  It is projected that the tax credit could increase WRI’s income and cash flows before taxes over the period October 2008 through December 31, 2012 by as much as $37 million.


Safety Component:  Not applicable.


Long-Term Incentive Compensation


The Committee awarded Mr. Myers 5,400 restricted stock units based on his placement in the 20% long-term incentive tier, as discussed above.


 

 

 

 

John V. O’Laughlin: Vice President – Coal Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Cash Received

for 2009

2009 Base Salary

Bonus for 2009

# of RSUs / Grant Date Fair Value

of 2009 RSUs

 

 

$305,7571

$220,007

$80,535

8,400 RSUs/ $68,628

 

 


(1) Mr. O’Laughlin’s actual base salary earnings for 2009 of $225,221.71 were more than his annualized base salary due to the extra pay period in 2009.

 

 

 

 


Base Salary


The Committee awarded Mr. O’Laughlin a 2.5% merit increase to his base salary for 2010, bringing his base salary to $225,508 effective as of April 1, 2010.  Mr. O’Laughlin’s 2.5% merit increase was based on a commendable performance rating and a compa-ratio of 100% of peer and survey data.  The Committee feels Mr. O’Laughlin’s base salary is appropriate given his scope of responsibilities and a blend of available chief operating officer and vice president of mines base salary comparables from peer group data gathered from proxy statements, which the Committee feels is the more appropriate comparable salary data for Mr. O’Laughlin than survey data that reflects salaries of similarly-positioned individuals at significantly larger companies.


Annual Incentive Compensation


Financial Component: As we failed to meet our 2009 financial component threshold, the Committee awarded no payout for the financial component.


Individual Component:Mr. O’Laughlin’s individual component performance goals for 2009 were as follows:


·

Improve safety results at all mines relative to the national average; and

·

Ensured continued training for corporate and salaried personnel and offered production and maintenance training to craft employees throughout the year.


The Committee approved a 100% individual performance payout for Mr. O’Laughlin as he met his goals for 2009, which included an improved safety record at all mines relative to the national average, continued training for corporate and salaried personnel and production and maintenance training to craft employees throughout the year.


Safety Component:  Mr. O’Laughlin was paid 184% of his safety component due to above average industry safety records at all, but one, of our company andmines.  With direct operational responsibility for all of our stockholders, after taking into consideration changing business conditions and the performance of its employees.

Benefits
Benefits for our named executive officers are establishedmines, Mr. O’Laughlin’s safety component payout is based upon an assessmentaverage of competitive market factors,reportable incident rates at all mine locations. In 2009, the average national reportable incident rate was 2.11, which is a determination of what is needed to attractcalculation based on total hours worked and retain high caliber executives, and our financial condition. Our primary benefits for executives include participation inreportable incidents.  In 2009, the broad-based plans available to most of our other employees: defined benefit retirement plans, 401(k) plans, savings plans, health and dental plans and various insurance plans, including disability and life insurance.


23


We also provide certain executives, including our named executive officers, the following benefits:
• Supplemental Retirement and Savings.  The Internal Revenue Code limits the amount of compensation that may be taken into account for the purpose of determining the retirement benefits payable under tax-qualified ERISA retirement plans. The limitation for 2007 was $225,000. Consequently, so that we could provide retirement income to certain of our senior executives and other key individuals that is commensurate as a percentage of pre-retirement income with that paid to other employees, we established a nonqualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, or SERP, effective January 1, 1992. Because of attrition in, or retirement of, the individuals originally covered by the SERP, only Mr. C. Seglem, who served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer through May 1, 2007, is eligible for benefits under the SERP.
• Deferred Compensation.  The Compensation and Benefits Committee has the authority under the 2000 PUP to mandate deferral of any 2000 PUP award. Several named executive officers were subject to deferrals under this plan. Deferred compensation is also discussed under the heading “Executive Compensation — Deferred Compensation” below.
Perquisites
Perquisites for our executives, including our named executive officers, are very limited. While serving as the company’s chief executive, Mr. C. Seglem was the named designee on a corporate country club membership and was reimbursedaverage reportable incident rate for the monthly dues and business related expenses formines Mr. O’Laughlin oversaw was 1.38, which is significantly less than the national average.


Long-Term Incentive Compensation


Mr. O’Laughlin was awarded long-term equity at a local business luncheon club. Effective August 2007, we no longer offer financial planning assistance to our senior executives, including ourtargeted 30% of base salary, which is a higher tier than other named executive officers.  This benefit providedThe Committee felt such higher tier level was warranted due to Mr. O’Laughlin’s direct responsibility for up to 80% of the cost, capped at $1,600 per year.

The Company does provide reimbursement tooverseeing more employees than any other named executive officers for 80% of the cost of an annual physical examination, up to $500 per year.
It is not our practice or policy to provide a company vehicle or a vehicle allowance to our executives. However, in the case of Mr. O’Laughlin, who hasofficer, direct responsibility for the executive managementa large portion of multiple coalour company’s profits and losses, and his direct operational responsibility for all mining operations that are reasonably reachable by vehicle but located a significant driving distance apart, we provide for the useoperations.


20


Table of a company-owned vehicle specifically for traveling between locations.

Employment Contracts
We do not have contracts of employment with our executives, except for the severance arrangements described below.
Post-Termination Compensation
We and our subsidiaries have severance policies which are designed to provide our employees with financial protection against the loss of their employment as the result of circumstances beyond their control. At December 31, 2007, our severance policies consisted of an Executive Severance Policy, or the Executive Policy, which covered Mr. C. Seglem, and a Severance Policy, or the Employee Policy, which covered all other full-time non-union employees, including our named executive officers, other than Mr. C. Seglem and Mr. Alessi, our President and Chief Executive Officer. Effective May 21, 2007, we have adopted a revised severance policy that applies to all active full-time employees other than Mr. Alessi, who is not covered under any severance policy.
Additional information regarding the severance policies, including a definition of key terms and an estimated quantification of benefits that would have been received by our named executive officers had termination occurred on December 31, 2007, is found under the heading “Executive Compensation — Severance Benefits” below.
Table


24


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation
The following table summarizes the compensation paid to each individual who served as our principal executive officer or principal financial officer in 2007,2009 and our three next most highly compensated executive officers (other than our principal executive and financial officers) who were serving as executive officers at December 31, 2007, and two individuals who would have been among our three other most highly compensated executive officers but for the fact that they were not serving as executive officers at December 31, 2007.2009. We refer to these eight individuals collectively as our named executive officers. The determination of our most highly compensated executive officers is based on total compensation for 2007 as calculated in the “Summary Compensation” table (excluding the change in the actuarial value of pension and defined benefit plan benefits and above-market or preferential earnings on deferred compensation) shown below.


Name and Principal

Position

Year

Salary

($)

Bonus

($)

Stock

Awards

($)(1)

Option

Awards

($)(1)

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan

Compensation

($)(2)

Change in

Pension

Value Earnings

($)

All Other

Compensation

($)(3)

Total

($)

Keith E. Alessi

CEO and President

2009

588,461

350,000

245,100

370,731

20,044

16,643

1,590,979

2008

403,846

710,400

242,308

3,775

12,222

1,372,551

2007

351,692

1,355,000

422,031

21,157

2,149,880

Kevin A. Paprzycki

Chief Financial Officer

2009

213,077

45,752

38,354

3,599

12,467

313,249

2008

189,450

82,880

34,101

8,741

7,088

322,260

Morris W. Kegley

General Counsel and Secretary

2009

213,463

45,752

76,847

38,224

12,472

386,758

2008

200,156

82,880

36,028

30,301

7,411

356,776

2007

175,154

39,410

21,494

9,421

245,479

Todd A. Myers

Vice President of Coal Sales

2009

233,287

93,352

83,983

(6,699)

12,603

416,526

2008

218,568

82,880

78,685

29,014

7,582

416,729

2007

208,542

37,538

14,552

8,066

268,698

John V. O’Laughlin

Vice President of Coal Operations

2009

225,222

68,628

80,535

(5,611)

12,552

381,326

2008

211,374

177,600

45,657

52,408

6,971

494,010

2007

200,665

89,336

32,235

9,758

331,994

Former Named Executive Officer

Delbert Lobb(4)

Former CEO and President

2009

67,606

5,500

73,106

2008

326,923

200,000

1,639,000

296,000

59,657

2,521,580

2007 SUMMARY COMPENSATION
                                     
                    Change in
       
                 Non-
  Pension
       
                 Equity
  Value and
       
                 Incentive
  Nonqualified
       
                 Plan
  Deferred
       
           Stock
  Option
  Com-
  Compensation
  All Other
    
Name and Principal
    Salary
  Bonus
  Awards
  Awards(1)
  pensation
  Earnings(2)
  Compensation(3)(4)
  Total
 
Position
 Year  ($)  ($)  ($)  ($)  ($)  ($)  ($)  ($) 
 
Keith E. Alessi  2007   351,692   422,031      301,073         21,157   1,095,953 
President and CEO                                    
                                     
David J. Blair(5)  2007   256,250   51,891      39,267      21,278   9,434   378,120 
Former Chief Financial Officer  2006   253,004   110,551      19,742      17,115   7,508   407,920 
                                     
John V. O’Laughlin  2007   200,665   76,413      47,993      32,235   9,758   367,064 
Vice President, Coal Operations  2006   192,860   81,657      29,756      30,096   8,445   342,814 
                                     
Todd A. Myers  2007   208,542   37,538      38,297      14,552   8,066   306,995 
Vice President, Coal Sales                                    
                                     
Morris W. Kegley  2007   175,154   39,410      9,211      21,494   9,421   254,690 
General Counsel                                    
                                     
Christopher K. Seglem(6)  2007   202,325         (127,739)      476,994   59,127(7)  610,707 
Former Chief Executive Officer and President  2006   529,227   225,296      177,934      353,103   16,025   1,301,585 
                                     
Roger W. Wiegley(8)  2007   165,873         222,872         23,134   411,879 
Former General Counsel and Secretary  2006   250,042   128,947      44,847      23,840   24,204   471,880 
                                     
Robert W. Holzwarth(9)  2007   186,087         (19,539)        296,676   463,224 
Former Senior Vice President, Power  2006   238,633   113,667      58,034      26,449   8,169   444,952 

(1)

The amounts

Amounts in this column reflectthese columns represent the amount expensed by usaggregate grant date fair value of the equity awarded calculated in each year indicatedaccordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 – Share-Based Payment.  Amounts for financial reporting purposes pursuant2008 and 2007 have been recalculated to FAS 123R. Thecomply with the new requirements. These columns were prepared assuming none of the awards will be forfeited.  Additional information is set forth in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table below. Details regarding the 2009, 2008 and 2007 stock awards that are outstanding as of December 31, 2009 may be found in the “2009 Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal Year-End” table below. A more detailed discussion of the assumptions used in calculating these amounts are discussedthe valuation of stock awards made in note 15fiscal year 2009 may be found in Note 13 of the Notes to our financial statementsthe Financial Statements in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended DecemberDec ember 31, 2007, which accompany this proxy statement. Unlike the amount reflected in our financial statements, these amounts do not reflect any estimate of forfeitures related to service-based vesting. Instead, these amounts assume that each executive will perform the requisite service to vest in his award.2009.

(2)

Represents the cash bonus awarded under our Annual Incentive Plan, a discretionary performance-based award made in the first quarter of each fiscal year for performance in the prior fiscal year.

(2)

(3)

2007 figures include “above-market” interest on deferred compensation for Messrs. C. Seglem, O’Laughlin and Myers of $13,166, $811 and $2,163. Also includes change in pension value for Messrs. C. Seglem, Blair, O’Laughlin, Myers, and Kegley of $463,828, $21,278, $31,424, $12,389, and $21,494, respectively. The change in pension value for Mr. C. Seglem includes $449,267 from the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. Pension economic assumptions utilized for our SFAS 87 financial reporting for fiscal


25


years ended in 2006 and 2005 were used for calculations at the end of those years respectively. A discount rate of 5.7% was used for 2005, 5.95% for 2006 and 6.3% for 2007.
(3)“All Other Compensation” for 20072009 includes reimbursements and payments as applicable, for our contributions to the 401(k) Plan and life insurance premiums. We contributed $7,750$11,025, $11,025, $11,025, $11,025, $11,025 and $577 in matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan on behalf of each of Messrs. Alessi, Blair,Paprzycki, Kegley, Myers, O’Laughlin, and Kegley. We also contributed $9,000, $3,662, $5,722Lobb, respectively.  Our 401(k) match program provided for a match of total cash compensation earned in 2009 up to a maximum allowable cash compensation of $245,000 equaling 3% of total cash compensation from January through June and $5,240 on behalf6% of Messrs. O’Laughlin, C. Seglem, Holzwarth and Wiegley.total cash compensation from July through December. We paid life insurance premiums of $925, $758, $316, $1,671, $3,852, $1,859$1,891, $1,442, $1,447, $1,578, $1,527 and $1,139$1,248 during 2009 for Messrs. Blair,Alessi, Paprzycki, Kegley, Myers, O’Laughlin, Myers, Kegley, C. Seglem, Holzwarth and Wiegley,Lobb, respectively. For Mr.Messrs. Alessi and Lobb, the amount shown also includes $3,115$3,727 and $3,675 respectively of speciala sp ecial contribution to the 401(k) Plan $2,885 for temporary living expensesmade during 2009.  

(4)

Mr. Lobb resigned effective January 27, 2009. Mr. Lobb forfeited all stock and $7,407 in reimbursementoption awards at commercial airline rates for business usethe time of his personal airplane. For Mr. C. Seglem the amount shown includes vacation pay. For Mr. Blair the amount shown includes $760 for financial planning. For Mr. Holzwarth, the amount shown also includes severance benefits and vacation pay. For Mr. Wiegley, the amount shown also includes consulting fees and vacation pay.

(4)In accordance with SEC rules, other compensationresignation. He was not vested in the form of perquisites and other personal benefits has been omitted in those instances where the aggregate of such perquisites and other personal benefits is less than $10,000. Further information regarding our practices with respect to perquisites may be found under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Perquisites” above.
(5)Mr. Blair served as Chief Financial Officer throughout 2007 and resigned effective March 31, 2008.
(6)Mr. C. Seglem served as our President and Chief Executive Officer and as Chairman of our Board of Directors in 2006 and through May 1, 2007.
(7)Mr. C. Seglem’s employment as Chief Executive Officer and President terminated in May 2007. Mr. C. Seglem asserts that he is entitled to payment of severance benefits under the Executive Severance Policy dated December 8, 1993. This policy, Mr. C. Seglem’s interpretation of that policy, and our position are described below, under “Severance Benefits — Executive Severance Policy.” If Mr. C. Seglem’s interpretation of the severance policy were to be upheld by a court, he would be entitled to severance payments of approximately $3.8 million plus reimbursement of his attorney’s fees. The Company has recorded a reserve of $1.8 million for this matter.
(8)Mr. Wiegley served as our General Counsel through August 2007.
(9)Mr. Holzwarth served as our Sr. Vice President, Power through September 2007.pension plan.

Executive compensation for the


Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation


Non-equity incentive plan compensationamounts are annual cash incentives under our Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”). The AIP is funded based on various components, which are unique to each named executive officers, exceptofficer, and may include our annual budgeted operating income performance, MSHA average for Mr. Alessi, consists of three elements: base salary, annual incentive bonus and long-term incentive compensation. After 18 months with no internal equity or merit adjustments to base salariesreportable incident rate for executives due to cash constraints, salaries for our named executives, except for Mr. Alessi and Mr. Kegley, were adjusted by 5% effective January 1, 2008. Mr. Alessi’s compensation is determined by the Board of Directors. His initial salary was adjusted from $40,000 per month to $50,000 per month upon his being named President and CEO in August 2007. He previously served as interim President and interim CEO. Mr. Kegley received a 2.75% adjustment effective June 1, 2007 following a salary increase in August 2007 at the time he was named General Counsel.

Annual bonus amounts shownsurface mines in the 2007 Summary Compensation tablecoal industry, and individual performance goals, all of which are based on performance against the objectives describeddiscussed above in “Compensation DisclosureDiscussion and Analysis — ComponentsAnalysis.”


Equity Awards


Values for stock grants in the summary compensation table and numbers included in the grants of the Executive Compensation Program — Annual Incentive Compensation” above. Bonuses for the named executive officers other than Mr. Alessiplan-based awards table relate to restricted stock and Mr. O’Laughlin were based on financial performance (55%) and personal performance (45%). Mr. O’Laughlin’s bonus was based on the safety of our operations (35%), financial performance (30%), and personal performance (35%). For 2007, the financial component of the bonus was based on the net increase in budgeted cash for the applicable business unit and an increase in budgeted pretax income. These items are explained in more detail above, under “— Annual Incentive Compensation.” If each of these was 7.5% greater than the budgeted amounts, our executives would have received the targeted levels of the financial component of the bonus. The businessrestricted stock units relevantgranted to the named executive officers failed to meet their minimum financial performance targets, so no executive received any bonus in respect of financial performance for 2007. Our safety performance was 42% better than the industry average, which resulted in a 168% payout of that component of the bonus for 2007.under our stockholder-approved 2007 plan. The personal component of the bonus was based on


26


individual contributions to the accomplishment of strategic objectives, outstanding performance, special efforts, and similar factors. Mr. Alessi’s bonus was determined by the Board of Directors. We paid bonuses earned for 2007 performance in the first quarter of 2008.
The deferred compensation earnings shown in the “Summary Compensation” table reflect interest paid on deferred performance unit awards under the 2000 PUP.
None of the individuals listed in the table above received any loans or credits from us.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table summarizes equity incentive plan awards in 2007 to our named executive officers:
2007 GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
                         
        All Other
          
        Option
          
        Awards:
        Grant Date
 
        Number of
  Exercise or
  Closing
  Fair Value
 
        Securities
  Base Price
  Market Price
  of Stock
 
        Underlying
  of Option
  on Date
  and Options
 
  Grant
  Approval
  Options
  Awards(1)(2)
  of Grant
  Awards(3)
 
Name
 Date  Date  (#)  ($/Sh)  ($)  ($) 
 
Keith E. Alessi  5/2/07   5/1/07   100,000   23.925   24.12   1,354,829 
David J. Blair                  
John V. O’Laughlin                  
Todd A. Myers                  
Morris W. Kegley                  
Christopher K. Seglem                  
Roger D. Wiegley                  
Robert W. Holzwarth                  
(1)The exercise price is defined by the 2002 Plan as the average of the high and low prices per share on the date of grant. The corresponding closing price on the date of grant, May 2, 2007, was $24.12.
(2)Options vest one-thirty-sixth each month for the first twelve months after the date of grant, the next third of which will vest on the second anniversary of the date of grant, and the final third of which will vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant.
(3)Represents a grant date fair value of $13.55 per option.


27


Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table shows outstanding options and SARs as of December 31, 2007 for our named executive officers. Included in the table are initial grants of long-term incentive options or SARs made in connection with the hiring of Messrs. Alessi, Blair, O’Laughlin, Wiegley and Holzwarth in 2007, 2005, 2001, 2005 and 2004 respectively, and annual long-term incentive awards. Approval of annual long-term incentive awards is madeadministered by the Compensation and Benefits Committee, in advancewhich has retained the exclusive authority to make awards under the plan. The committee approves all long-term incentive grants to executive officers other than the CEO, whose grants are approved by the Board. The committee also approves the overall grant pool for all other participants. The primary purpose of the long-term incentive plan is to link compensation with the long-term interests of stockholders. Restricted stock units granted to the named executives officers on July 1, 2009 vest over three years beginning 12 months from the grant date, with 33% of the shares becoming vested and available for release at that time, and an additional 33% vesting and becoming available for release on each successive anniversary of the grant date as described under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Componentsdate. Full vesting occurs on the third anniversary of the Executive Compensation Program — Long-Term Incentive Compensation” above. Approvalgrant date. Awards not yet released are forfeited upon separation.


21



Table of Mr. Alessi’s option award was made on May 1, 2007 for the award effective May 2, 2007.

                 
  Option Awards 
  Number of
  Number of
       
  Securities
  Securities
       
  Underlying
  Underlying
       
  Unexercised
  Unexercised
  Option
    
  Options
  Options
  Exercise
  Option
 
  (#)
  (#)
  Price
  Expiration
 
Name
 Exercisable  Unexercisable  ($)  Date 
 
Keith E. Alessi  19,444(1)  80,556(1)  23.93   5/01/17 
David J. Blair  10,000(2)     19.78   4/24/15 
   19,900(2)     20.98   6/30/15 
   2,700(3)  5,400(3)  24.41   6/30/16 
John V. O’Laughlin  20,000(4)     12.04   3/4/11 
   4,700(5)     12.86   6/23/12 
   3,650(6)     17.80   12/30/13 
   3,650(7)     18.08   6/29/13 
   491(8)     18.09   5/28/11 
   1,809(8)     18.19   5/28/11 
   9,800(9)     19.37   6/30/14 
   14,600(2)     20.98   6/30/15 
   3,300(3)  6,600(3)  24.41   6/30/16 
Todd A. Myers  2,517(8)     18.19   5/28/11 
   683(8)     18.09   5/28/11 
   6,700(5)     12.86   6/23/12 
   6,700(7)     18.08   6/29/13 
   6,700(6)     17.80   12/30/13 
   12,300(9)     19.37   6/30/14 
   16,200(2)     20.98   6/30/15 
   2633(3)  5,267(3)  24.41   12/30/16 
Morris W. Kegley  633(3)  1,267(3)  24.41   6/30/16 
Christopher K. Seglem            
Roger D. Wiegley  17,900(2)     20.98   6/30/15(14)
   18,400(10)     24.41   6/30/16(14)
Robert W. Holzwarth  6,666(11)     22.86   3/26/08 
   17,900(2)     20.98   3/26/08 
   13,300(12)     22.86   3/26/08 
   4,033(13)     24.41   3/26/08 


28

2009 Grants of Plan-Based Awards


Name

Grant Date

Approval Date by

Comp. Committee

All Other Stock Awards:

Number of Units (#)

Grant Date Fair Value of

Stock Awards($)(1)

Keith E. Alessi

7/01/2009

6/17/2009

30,000(1)

245,100

Kevin A. Paprzycki

7/01/2009

6/17/2009

5,600(1)

45,752

Morris W. Kegley

7/01/2009

6/17/2009

5,600(1)

45,752

Todd A. Myers

6/03/2009

5/13/2009

5,000(2)

47,600

7/01/2009

6/17/2009

5,600(1)

45,752

John V. O’Laughlin

7/01/2009

6/17/2009

8,400(1)

68,628


(1)

The 2009 LTIP award granted by the Compensation and Benefits Committee on June 17, 2009 consisted of restricted stock units with a three-year vest issued out of the 2007 plan with a grant date of July 1, 2009.  The grant date fair value on July 1, 2009 was $8.17 per share.

(2)

Mr. Myers was granted a one-time issuance of 5,000 shares with no restrictions or vesting out of the 2007 plan to satisfy a past retirement obligation. The grant date fair value on June 3, 2009 was $9.52 per share.


2009 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End


 

Option Awards

Stock Awards

Name

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options (#)

Exercisable

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options (#)

Unexercisable

Option

Exercise

Price

($)

Option

Expiration

Date

Units that have

not vested (#)(2)

Market value of units

that have not

vested as of 12/31/09($)(3)

Keith E. Alessi

20,000

40,000(1)

21.40

7/01/18

 

 

30,556

0

24.12

5/02/17

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,000

267,300

Kevin A. Paprzycki

2,333

4,667(1)

21.40

7/01/18

 

 

1,900

0

24.41

7/01/16

 

 

2,500

0

29.48

6/05/16

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,600

49,896

Morris W. Kegley

2,333

4,667(1)

21.40

7/01/18

 

 

1,900

0

24.41

7/01/16

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,600

49,896

Todd A. Myers

683

0

18.09

5/29/11

 

 

2,517

0

18.19

5/29/11

 

 

6,700

0

12.86

6/24/12

 

 

6,700

0

18.08

6/30/13

 

 

6,700

0

17.80

12/31/13

 

 

12,300

0

19.37

7/01/14

 

 

16,200

0

20.98

7/01/15

 

 

7,900

0

24.41

7/01/16

 

 

2,333

4,667(1)

21.40

7/01/18

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,600

49,896

John V. O’Laughlin

20,000

0

12.04

3/05/11

 

 

491

0

18.09

5/29/11

 

 

1,809

0

18.19

5/29/11

 

 

4,700

0

12.86

6/24/12

 

 

3,650

0

18.08

6/30/13

 

 

3,650

0

17.80

12/31/13

 

 

9,800

0

19.37

7/01/14

 

 

14,600

0

20.98

7/01/15

 

 

9,900

0

24.41

7/01/16

 

 

5,000

10,000(1)

21.40

7/01/18

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,400

74,844

(1)

These options were awarded by the Compensation and Benefits Committee in June 2008 as part of the annual LTIP award.  The options vest in three annual increments beginning 7/1/09, with the remaining two increments vesting in July 2010 and July 2011.

(2)

Vested one-thirty-sixth each month for

Awards in this column consist of restricted stock units with a grant date of July 1, 2009. Awards of restricted stock units vest in thirds over a three-year period beginning on the first year following the date of grant, the next third of which will vest on the second anniversary of the date of grant, and the final third of which will vest on the third anniversarygrant.

(3)

The market value of the dateawards of grant.

(2)SARsrestricted stock units that have not yet vested 12/30/05.
(3)SARs vest in 3 equal annual installments, withwas determined by multiplying the first increment vestingclosing price of a share of common stock on 7/1/07.
(4)Vested in two annual increments beginning 3/5/02.
(5)Vested in two annual increments beginning 6/24/03.
(6)Vested in three annual increments beginning 12/31/04.
(7)Vested in three annual increments beginning 6/30/04.
(8)Vested in two annual increments beginning 5/29/02.
(9)SARs; one third vested on 7/1/05 andDecember 31, 2009 ($8.91) by the balance vested 12/30/05.
(10)SARs, the first thirdnumber of which vested on 7/1/07 and the remaining two thirds vested in August 2007 when Mr. Wiegley ceased employment.
(11)Vested in two annual increments beginning 11/1/05.
(12)SARs; one third vested on 11/1/05 and the balance vested 12/30/05.
(13)SARs vested 7/1/07.
(14)SARs expire six months following termination of Mr. Wiegley’s consulting arrangement with the Company.shares.



22



Option Exercises andTable of Contents


Stock Vested Stockin 2009


Name

Shares Acquired on Vesting(#)

Stock Value Realized on Vesting($)

Todd A. Myers

5,000

47,600


2009 Pension Benefits

Name(1)

Plan Name

Number of Years

Credited Service

(#)

Present Value of

Accumulated

Benefit as of

December 31, 2009

($)(2)

Payments During

LastFiscal Year

($)

Keith E. Alessi

Westmoreland Retirement Plan (WCC)

2.08

23,819

Kevin A. Paprzycki

Westmoreland Retirement Plan (WCC)

3.0

21,241

Morris W. Kegley

Westmoreland Retirement Plan (WCC)

3.67

111,217

Todd A. Myers

Westmoreland Retirement Plan (WCC)

9.5

102,631

John V. O’Laughlin

Westmoreland Retirement Plan (BSS)

9.0

200,250

The following table presents information regarding option and SAR exercises during 2007 for our named executive officers. There were no stock awards to employees outstanding during 2007.
2007 OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
                 
  Option Awards  Stock Awards 
  Number of Shares
  Value Realized on
  Number of Shares
  Value Realized on
 
  Acquired on Exercise
  Exercise
  Acquired on Vesting
  Vesting
 
Name
 (#)  ($)  (#)  ($) 
 
Keith E. Alessi            
David J. Blair            
John V. O’Laughlin            
Todd A. Myers            
Morris W. Kegley            
Christopher K. Seglem  242,255(1)  4,983,337       
Roger D. Wiegley  3,596(2)  101,281       
Robert W. Holzwarth            

(1)

Mr. Lobb was not vested in the pension plan at the time he ceased employment.  

(1)

(2)

Option and SAR exercises.
(2)SAR exercises.


29


Pension Benefits
The following table presents pension plan benefits for each of our named executive officers:
2007 PENSION BENEFITS
               
       Present Value
    
       of Accumulated
    
       Benefit as of
    
    Number of Years
  December 31,
  Payments During Last
 
    Credited Service
  2007(1)
  Fiscal Year
 
Name
 
Plan Name
 (#)  ($)  ($) 
 
Keith E. Alessi(2) Westmoreland         
  Retirement Plan (WCC)            
David J. Blair Westmoreland  2.75   49,109    
  Retirement Plan (WCC)            
John V. O’Laughlin Westmoreland  7.0   153,598    
  Retirement Plan (BSS)            
Todd A. Myers Westmoreland  8.08   80,602    
  Retirement Plan (WCC)            
Morris W. Kegley Westmoreland  2.25   42,692    
  Retirement Plan (WCC)            
Christopher K. Seglem Westmoreland  26.75   378,241    
  Retirement Plan (WCC)            
  Supplemental Executive  26.75   2,705,216    
  Plan(3)            
Roger D. Wiegley(4) Westmoreland  2.33       
  Retirement Plan (WCC)            
Robert W. Holzwarth(4) Westmoreland  3.17       
  Retirement Plan (WCC)            
(1)Pension economic assumptions are consistent with our SFAS 87 financial reporting for fiscal year 2007.2009. Demographic assumptions are also consistent with our pension financial reporting, with the exception that per SEC guidance, pre-retirement decrements are not used. A discount rate of 6.3%6.0% was used for 2007.
(2)Mr. Alessi was hired May 2, 2008 and is not a participant in the pension plan as of December 31, 2007.
(3)Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan — see description below.
(4)Mr. Wiegley and Mr. Holzwarth were not vested in the pension plan.2009.

Pension Plan
We sponsor a Pension Plan, which we refer


Effective July 1, 2009, the Board froze our pension plan for non-union employees, including our named executive officers, resulting in no future benefits accruing under these plans.  Prior to as the Plan, for eligible employees of our company and our subsidiaries to which employees make no contributions. The Plan is a merger of the Westmoreland Pension Plan and other plans that were in place at subsidiaries at the time of their acquisition. The Plan maintains the formulas for benefit calculations which are associated withJuly 2009, each of the original plans. All employees whose terms and conditions of employment are not subject to collective bargaining and who work 1,000 or more hours per year are eligible for participationnamed executive officers, except Mr. Alessi, participated in the Plan.same defined benefit pension plans offered to other non-union employees. Eligible employees become fully vested after five years of service, or, in any event, upon attaining age 65.

The Plan was adopted effective December 1, 1997 as a qualified replacementpension plan for a previous plan, which was terminated effective November 30, 1996. In general, the Plan provides for payment of annualnormal retirement at 65. Early retirement benefits are available at age 55 with 10 years of service, however at reduced benefits. None of the named executives covered under this plan are eligible to eligible employees and also provides for disability benefits and forretire as of December 31, 2009. The executive may choose optional forms of benefit, all reduced benefits upon retirement priorto be actuarially equivalent to the normal retirement age of 65. Forsingle life annuity benefit. The optional forms available are 50%, 66 2/3% and 100% joint and survivor options, a 10-year certain and life o ption, and a single life annuity.


In addition, to the purpose of benefit calculation under the Plan for Mr. C. Seglem, credited service under the previousmain Westmoreland pension plan, is included with credited service under the current Plan.


30


The current compensation covered by the Plan for any named executive officer is that amount reported in the salary column of the Summary Compensation table, subject to limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. In 2007 that limit was $225,000.
Each of Messrs. C. Seglem, O’Laughlin, Myers and Kegley are covered under the Westmoreland Coal Company provisions of the Plan as follows and which also provide for disability benefits and for reduced benefits upon early retirement.
• The benefit equals 1.2% of average earnings plus 0.5% of average earnings in excess of covered compensation times years of service up to 30 years. Covered compensation is a 35 year average of Social Security wage bases at Social Security retirement age.
• Normal retirement age is 65. Early retirement benefits are available at age 55 with 10 years of service. Benefits are reduced actuarially for early commencement before age 65. Participants with 20 or more years of service may retire at age 62, instead of 65, with no reduction in benefits. At December 31, 2006, Mr. C. Seglem had 26 years of service and was eligible to retire with full benefits at age 62. None of the other executives covered under this plan are eligible to retire.
• The executive may choose optional forms of benefit, all reduced to be actuarially equivalent to the single life annuity benefit. The optional forms available are 50%, 662/3% and 100% joint and survivor options, a10-year certain and life option, and a single life annuity.
• Mr. C. Seglem was also eligible to benefit under the SERP as described below. This plan has the same plan provisions discussed above, with the exception of the pay considered for the calculation of the benefit formula. Bonuses are included in the definition of compensation. Additionally, the limitations on pay allowed to be considered in qualified pension plans are disregarded.
Mr. O’Laughlin is also covered under plan provisions for two subsidiaries where he has worked. Aspects of each subsidiary’s plan provisions may be more or less attractive, and other aspects of a subsidiary’s plan provisions may be more attractive than the plan provisions applicable to Westmoreland Coal Company.us. Based on Mr. O’Laughlin’s service and salary, the Beulah and Savage Salaried Employee’s (“BSS”) benefits are the most valuable as of December 31, 2007. Because2009. Under the Beulah and Savage Mines Salaried Employee’s benefitBSS plan, normal retirement age is currently the most valuable, we have shown65. Early retirement benefits are available at age 55 with 5 years of service, but reduced 3% per year for early commencement before age 62. Mr. O’Laughlin based on this formula.may choose optional forms of benefit, all reduced to be actuarially equivalent to the single life annuity benefit. The provisions of this planoptional forms available are as follows:
• The benefit equals 1.2% of average earnings plus 0.4% of average earnings in excess of the integration level, times pension service with a maximum of 35 years. The integration level is equal to 35% of the Social Security taxable wage base in effect for the plan year of termination.
• Normal retirement age is 65. Early retirement benefits are available at age 55 with 5 years of service. Benefits are reduced 3% per year for early commencement before age 62.
• The executive may choose optional forms of benefit, all reduced to be actuarially equivalent to the single life annuity benefit. The optional forms available are 50%, 662/3% and 100% joint and survivor options, a10-year certain and life option, and a single life annuity.
50%, 66 2/3%, 75% and 100% joint and survivor options, a 10-year certain and life option, and a single life annuity.


Mr. Alessi, and those who are hired on or after July 1, 2006, and who are not subject to collective bargaining and who work 1,000 or more hours per year, are covered under a new benefit plan. There are two components to the new benefit plan design, the first being a defined benefit plan to which employees make no contributions. EligibleAs eligible employees become fully vested after five years of service, or in any event, upon attaining age 65. The second component is a defined contribution plan, or 401(k) Plan, in which employees may elect to have a pre-tax deduction from their pay deposited in a 401(k) Plan account. Employees’ contributions are matched by the Company at 50% of the first 6% of compensation the employee contributes. The matching contribution is made in Westmoreland common stock and employees become vested in the matching contribution over a two-year period. This benefit also provides for a monthly Special Contribution paid by the Company in Westmoreland common stock to employees’ 401(k) plan account equal to 1.5% of their gross pay. Employees are immediately 100% vested in the Special Contribution. The Special Contribution will be made without regard to any contributions the employees make to the Plan. If an employee has not


31


elected to make contributions under the Plan, the Company will create an Account for the employee into which the Special Contribution will be made. None of the named executive officers other than Mr. Alessi are participants in the new benefit plan.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
The Internal Revenue Code limits the amount of compensation that may be taken into accountis not currently eligible for the purpose of determining the retirement benefit payable under retirement plans, such as the Plan, that are qualified under ERISA. So that we may provide retirement income to certain of our former senior executives and other former key individuals that is commensurate as a percentage of pre-retirement income with that paid to other company employees, we established a nonqualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, or the SERP, effective January 1, 1992. Mr. C. Seglem, who served as our President and Chief Executive Officer through May 1, 2007, is covered by the SERP.
Bonus payments are included in a participant’s compensation under the SERP, although excluded under the Plan. Benefits are payable out of our general assets, and shall commence and be payable at the same time and in the same form as benefits under the Plan.
participation.


2009 Pension Benefits Upon Retirement/Termination Disability or Death

Mr. C. Seglem,


Mr. O’Laughlin and Mr. Myers are each vested in the pension plan and are entitled to an annual lifetime benefit payable upon retirement, voluntary or involuntary termination, disability or death (paid for the life of the spouse). The following table shows benefits for Mr. C. Seglem based on his termination in May 2007. Benefits shown for Mr. O’Laughlin and Mr. Myers assume that the event entitling them to benefits occurred on December 31, 2007.

2007 PENSION BENEFITS UPON RETIREMENT/TERMINATION, DISABILITY OR DEATH
               
            Time or Period of
Name
 
Type of Termination
 
Plan
 Benefit Amount  
Form of Payment
  
Payment
 
Christopher K. Seglem Retirement/Termination Pension Plan $2,793   Monthly Annuity  Life
    SERP $19,116   Monthly Annuity  Life with 10 
years guaranteed
  Disability Pension Plan  N/A   Monthly Annuity  Life
    SERP  N/A   Monthly Annuity  Life
  Death Pension Plan  N/A   Monthly Annuity  Life of Spouse
    SERP  N/A   Monthly Annuity  Life of Spouse
John V. O’Laughlin Retirement/Termination Pension Plan $1,317   Monthly Annuity  Life
  Disability Pension Plan $1,317   Monthly Annuity  Life
  Death Pension Plan $594   Monthly Annuity  Life of Spouse
Todd A. Myers Retirement/Termination Pension Plan $1,803   Monthly Annuity  Life
  Disability Pension Plan $1,803   Monthly Annuity  Life
  Death Pension Plan $1,446   Monthly Annuity  Life of Spouse
2009. The benefits for Mr. Myers are first payable on March 1, 2029.2019. The SERP benefit for Mr. C. Seglem is currently in payment. The qualified benefits for Mr. C. Seglem and the benefits for Mr. O’Laughlin are first payable on January 1, 2008.
Retiree Medical Benefits
Each of Messrs. O’Laughlin, Myers and Kegley are covered under our broad-based retiree medical plan that provides for continued medical coverage upon retirement at age 62 and with twenty years of service, or age 65 with five years of service for those hired prior to June 1, 2003 or 10 years of service for those hired on or after June 1, 2003. Mr. C. Seglem was also covered by this broad-based retiree medical plan; following the termination of his employment in May 2007, his medical benefits are provided pursuant to the Executive
2010.


32


Policy described below. These plans are closed to individuals hired after July 1, 2006. The Company adopted an alternative, less costly retiree medical plan for new employees hired after July 1, 2006.
Deferred Compensation
The following table presents information regarding deferred compensation during 2007 for our named executive officers:
2007 NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
                     
  Executive
  Registrant
     Aggregate
    
  Contributions
  Contributions in Last
  Aggregate Earnings
  Withdrawals/
  Aggregate Balance at
 
  in Last Fiscal Year
  Fiscal Year
  in Last Fiscal Year(1)
  Distributions
  Last Fiscal Year-End
 
Name
 ($)  ($)  ($)  ($)  ($) 
 
Keith E. Alessi  0   0   0   0   0 
David J. Blair  0   0   0   0   0 
John V. O’Laughlin(2)  0   0   2,118   17,938(3)  19,026(4)
Todd A. Myers(5)  0   0   5,591   112,899(6)  27,368(7)
Morris W. Kegley  0   0   0   0   0 
Christopher K. Seglem(5)  0   0   33,948   782,120(8)  132,515(9)
Roger D. Wiegley  0   0   0   0   0 
Robert W. Holzwarth  0   0   0   0   0 
(1)Aggregate Earnings represents interest earned on all deferred compensation during 2007. The portion included in this total that is considered at an “above-market” rate is also reported in the 2007 Summary Compensation table above.
(2)We deferred payments related to the 2001 award of performance units which vested in 2004.
(3)Includes interest of $3,501.
(4)Includes $4,588 in accrued interest.
(5)We deferred payments related to the 2000 award of performance units which vested in 2003 and payments related to the 2001 award of performance units which vested in 2004.
(6)Includes interest of $25,224.
(7)Includes $6,599 in accrued interest.
(8)Includes interest of $176,714.
(9)Includes $31,953 in accrued interest.
Performance Unit Plan Deferral Provision
Under the 2000 PUP, the Compensation and Benefits Committee has the discretion and authority to defer payment of vested performance units in a lump sum or in installments over any period of time not to exceed ten years. Participants in the 2000 PUP may not voluntarily defer any payments under this plan.
In 2003 and 2004, the Compensation and Benefits Committee elected to defer payment of a portion of the payments earned from awards made in 2000 and 2001. Awards earned by Mr. C. Seglem, Mr. O’Laughlin and Mr. Myers were deferred and interest paid at the rate of Prime plus 1%. Final payment of deferred amounts, plus interest, was made in March 2008.
Severance Benefits
During 2007, we maintained three severance policies: an executive severance policy, which applied only to Mr. C. Seglem, and which we refer to below as the Executive Policy; a severance policy dated July 26, 2004, which covered all other non-union employees who had six months of service, and which we refer to below as the Employee Policy; and a revised employee severance policy adopted May 21, 2007, which applies


33


to all active full-time employees, and which we refer to below as the revised employee severance policy. At December 31, 2007, the only severance policy applicable to any person employed on that date was the revised employee severance policy. Messrs. Blair, O’Laughlin, Myers and Kegley are covered by the revised employee severance policy. Mr. Alessi is not covered under any severance policy.
Executive Policy
The Executive Policy provides for severance payments and benefits if a termination occurs for any of the following reasons:

Name

• 

Type of Termination

Unacceptable job performance other than that resulting from gross

Plan

Benefit

Amount

Form of

Payment

Time or willful misconduct, which is defined as an act or acts constituting larceny, fraud, gross negligence, crime or crimes, moral turpitude in the course

Period of employment, or willful and material misrepresentation to our directors or officers,

Payment

John V. O’Laughlin

Retirement/Termination

Pension Plan

$2,005

Monthly Annuity

Life

• 

Disability

A significant reduction or increase, without adequate compensation, in the nature or scope of the executive’s authority or duties,

Pension Plan

$2,005

Monthly Annuity

Life

Death

Pension Plan

$919

Monthly Annuity

Life of Spouse

Todd A. Myers

• 

Retirement/Termination

A reduction in base compensation, a material reduction of the aggregate value of employee benefits or cessation of eligibility for incentive bonus payments, or

Pension Plan

$1,208

Monthly Annuity

Life

Disability

Pension Plan

$2,415

Monthly Annuity

Life to age 65

• 

Death

A change in control

Pension Plan

$1,038

Monthly Annuity

Life of our company.Spouse

In May 2007, Mr. C. Seglem was terminated as CEO and President



23



Table of the Company. Mr. C. Seglem asserts that he isContents


Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control


Our named executive officers are not entitled to paymentany additional payments or benefits relating to termination of severanceemployment other than the retirement benefits under the Executive Policy. The total amount of the severance benefits payable to Mr. C. Seglem has not been determined because the Executive Policy is subject to different interpretations in regard to certain important terms. If Mr. C. Seglem’s interpretation of the severance policy were to be upheld, he would be entitled to severance payments of approximately $3.8 million plus reimbursement of his attorney’s fees. Any severance award payable to Mr. C. Seglem would be payable to him in equal installments over 24 months or in a lump sum, discounted at the two-year treasury bill rate. If Mr. C. Seglem were entitled to a severance award, he would also be entitled to the perquisites and other personal benefitspreviously described in the Executive Policy, including medical, dentalpreceding compensation tables and life insurance coverage for two years from the date of termination, financial planning services for the year of termination plus one year, and outplacement services forparticipation in a period upseverance policy that is generally available to two years from the termination date, but ending upon the acceptance of employment. The Company has recorded a reserve of $1.8 million for this matter. The Company believes that, if there were to be an agreement to the terms and benefits to be provided under the Executive Policy, Mr. C. Seglem would be required to sign a release, acknowledging that such payments and benefits are in full satisfaction of all amounts and obligations owed under the policy.

Mr. C. Seglem retained all stock options and SARs that had vested at the time of termination which have subsequently been exercised or have expired. He also retained 2,137 vested performance units issued in 2004 which resulted in no value, and 2,269 performance units issued in 2005, the value of which is not be determinable until the completion of the performance period in 2008. Mr. C. Seglem had no unvested stock options at the time of his termination.
Revised Employee Severance Policy
The revisedour employees. Our severance policy effective May 21, 2007, covers virtually all our employees, although the amount of the severance benefit depends upon which of the six employee categories an employee is in.tier. The highest category,tier, which includes seniorour named executive officers, provides for severance compensation equal to 12 months of monthly base pay, 129 months of outplacement assistance and 12 months of health benefit continuation. The lowest category includes non-exempt and hourly employees and provides for severance compensation equal to one week’s base pay per year of service, but not less than two weeks and not more than 26 weeks base pay. Severance benefits are payable under the policy only in the following circumstances: involuntary termination that is not for cause; termination due to sale of a facility, division or business segment; or relocation of more than 50 miles that the employee declines. SeveranceOur executives do not have employment con tracts or any benefits triggered by a change-in-control.  In addition, our Annual Incentive Program provides that program participants are not payableonly entitled to payment of incentive payouts if they are employed on the employee receives an offerdate of similar employment within 30 days from an affiliatepayment, which typically occurs in March of the Company, or if the employee is terminated duefollowing year.  All incentive payouts are forfeited should a named executive officer leave our employment, for any reason, prior to outsourcing, from a company to which the relevant work is outsourced.
such time.


34


Mr. Holzwarth began receiving severance benefits under the revised policy in 2007 which are estimated to total $284,443.
If a termination not for cause had occurred on December 31, 2007, then Messrs. Blair, O’Laughlin, Myers and Kegley would have received, upon execution of the release and settlement agreement described above, severance payments of $256,250, $200,665, $208,542 and $175,154, respectively, in equal installments on the normal payroll schedule and net of any tax, medical or other required withholdings. We estimate that the cost of providing 12 months of medical, vision and dental benefits to Mr. Blair, O’Laughlin, Myers and Kegley and the value of their unused vacation at December 31, 2007, to be $35,976, $29,667, $15,051 and $19,226, respectively.
If the employment of Messrs. Blair, O’Laughlin, Myers and Kegley had been terminated on December 31, 2007, they would have retained all SARs that had then vested (for Mr. Blair, 32,600, for Mr. O’Laughlin, 27,700, for Mr. Myers, 31,133 and for Mr. Kegley 633) but would have forfeited all the SARs that had not yet vested except if termination occurs within one year following a change in control in which unvested SARs issued in 2006 (for Mr. Blair, 5,400; for Mr. O’Laughlin, 6,600, Mr. Myers, 5,267 and Mr. Kegley 1,267) would become fully vested, but would represent no additional value because the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2007 was less than the base price of those SARs. For the purposes of this event, “termination” means involuntary dismissal or a material change in the employee’s level of total compensation or a material change in his or her level of responsibility which, in either such case, causes the employee to voluntarily terminate his or her employment.
In addition, if the employment of Messrs. Blair, O’Laughlin, Myers and Kegley had been terminated on December 31, 2007, they would have retained all performance units that had then vested (for Mr. Blair, 1,100 issued in 2005 and 350 issued in 2006; for Mr. O’Laughlin, 809 issued in 2005 and 425 issued in 2006; for Mr. Myers, 895 issued in 2005 and 339 issued in 2006; and Mr. Kegley, 82 issued in 2006) but would have forfeited all the performance units that had not yet vested. However, the value of the vested performance units would not then have been determinable, so we would not have been required to make any payment in respect of these units at that time. If a change in control had occurred on December 31, 2007, and if our existence had ended, then vested performance units would have terminated without value. However, if our existence had continued following the change in control, then vested performance units would also have continued in existence, without acceleration of vesting, and would have been valued in the course of our business.
If the employment of Messrs. Blair, O’Laughlin, Myers and Kegley had terminated on December 31, 2007, they would also have received the pension benefits and any deferred compensation described above.


35


DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table summarizes the compensation paid in 2007 to the membersrepresents full walk-away amounts for each of our Boardnamed executive officers upon the occurrence of Directors:certain events, assuming in each case that the event in question occurred as of December 31, 2009.  The following tables do not include amounts payable upon termination for pension benefits, as those benefits are described above in the “2009 Pension Benefits” tables.

Name

Type of Compensation

Termination for Cause/

Voluntary Termination

Involuntary

Not for Cause

Termination upon

Change-in-Control

Retirement

Death

Keith Alessi

Salary

$0

$600,000

$0

$0

$0

Vested Equity(1)(2)

$0

$0

$267,300

$0

$267,300

Outplacement Services and health benefits

$0

$23,125

$0

$0

$0


                             
              Change
       
              in Pension
       
              Value and
       
              Nonqualified
       
           Non-Equity
  Deferred
       
  Fees Earned or
  Stock
  Option
  Incentive Plan
  Compensation
  All Other
    
  Paid in Cash
  Awards(2)
  Awards(3)
  Compensation
  Earnings
  Compensation
  Total
 
Name(1)
 ($)  ($)  ($)  ($)  ($)  ($)  ($) 
 
Michael Armstrong  28,320      6,581(4)           34,901 
Thomas J. Coffey  75,500   30,000   6,581(5)           112,081 
Robert E. Killen  101,500   30,000   6,581(6)           138,081 
Richard M. Klingaman  51,000   30,000   17,588(7)           98,588 
Thomas W. Ostrander  40,750      6,581(8)           47,331 
William M. Stern  57,000   30,000   6,581(9)           93,581 
Donald A. Tortorice  37,350      6,581(10)           43,931 

Name

Type of Compensation

Termination for Cause/

Voluntary Termination

Involuntary

Not for Cause

Termination upon

Change-in-Control

Retirement

Death

Kevin Paprzycki

Salary

$0

$207,000

$0

$0

$0

Vested Equity(1)(2)

$0

$0

$49,896

$0

$49,896

Outplacement Services and other benefits

$0

$22,235

$0

$0

$0



Name

Type of Compensation

Termination for Cause/

Voluntary Termination

Involuntary

Not for Cause

Termination upon

Change-in-Control

Retirement

Death

Morris Kegley

Salary

$0

$207,375

$0

$0

$0

Vested Equity(1)(2)

$0

$0

$49,896

$0

$49,896

Outplacement Services and other benefits

$0

$18,583

$0

$0

$0


Name

Type of Compensation

Termination for Cause/

Voluntary Termination

Involuntary

Not for Cause

Termination upon

Change-in-Control

Retirement

Death

Todd Myers

Salary

$0

$226,633

$0

$0

$0

Vested Equity(1)(2)

$0

$0

$49,896

$0

$49,896

Outplacement Services and other benefits

$0

$23,143

$0

$0

$0


Name

Type of Compensation

Termination for Cause/

Voluntary Termination

Involuntary

Not for Cause

Termination upon

Change-in-Control

Retirement

Death

John O’Laughlin

Salary

$0

$220,007

$0

$0

$0

Vested Equity(1)(2)

$0

$0

$74,844

$0

$74,844

Outplacement Services and other benefits

$0

$17,404

$0

$0

$0

(1)

Various unvested options and SARs held by our named executive officers automatically vest upon a change-in-control.  However, all outstanding options held by our named executive officers have an exercise price greater than $8.91, the closing price of our stock on December 31, 2009. There is no intrinsic value in any accelerated options or vested stock options because options with an exercise price greater than $8.91 have zero intrinsic value.

(1)

(2)

Keith E. Alessi, our President and Chief Executive Officer, has served as a member of our Board of Directors since August 2007. Christopher K. Seglem served as our President and Chief Executive Officer until May 2007 and was a member of our Board of Directors until he resigned

We awarded long-term equity to the named executive officers in May 2007. Employees, including Messrs. Alessi and C. Seglem, do not receive additional compensation for serving on the Board. The compensation for Messrs. Alessi and C. Seglem for 2007 is described above, under “Executive Compensation.”

(2)1,555 sharesform of restricted stock were awardedunits with a grant date of July 1, 2009, vesting in thirds on an annual basis.  Pursuant to each non-employee director; none of those shares have been issued.
(3)The amounts in this column reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes in 2007restricted stock unit agreements, the units automatically vest immediately prior to a change-in-control, death, disability or qualified retirement of the SARs granted torecipient.  No named executive officer met the directors in 2006. The grant date fair valuequalifications for a “qualified retirement” as of these awards, computed in accordance with FAS 123R, was, for Mr. Klingaman, $14.13 per SAR, or $52,763, and for each of Messrs. Armstrong, Coffey, Killen, Ostrander, Stern, and Tortorice, $14.94 per SAR, or $26,324.
(4)Mr. Armstrong served as a member of the Board of Directors until June 2007. He had no stock options and 1,762 SARs outstanding at December 31, 2007.
(5)Mr. Coffey had 15,000 stock options and 1,762 SARs outstanding at December 31, 2007.
(6)Mr. Killen had 7,500 stock options and 1,762 SARs outstanding at December 31, 2007.
(7)Mr. Klingaman had no stock options and 3,733 SARs outstanding at December 31, 2007.
(8)Mr. Ostrander served as a member of the Board of Directors until August 2007. He had 50,000 stock options and 1,762 SARs outstanding at December 31, 2007.
(9)Mr. Stern had 10,000 stock options and 1,762 SARs outstanding at December 31, 2007.
(10)Mr. Tortorice served as a member of the Board of Directors until August 2007. He had 12,500 stock options and 1,762 SARs outstanding at December 31, 2007.2009.  

Contents


36


COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation and Benefits Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) ofRegulation S-K with the Company’s management. Based on this review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Company’s Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.
Robert E. Killen, Chairman
Thomas J. Coffey
William M. Stern


37


CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS


Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions


Our Board has adopted written policies and procedures for the review of any transaction, arrangement, or relationship in which Westmoreland Coal Company is a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and one of our executive officers, directors, director nominees or 5% stockholders (or their immediate family members), each of whom we refer to as a related person, has a direct or indirect material interest.


If a related person proposes to enter into such a transaction, arrangement, or relationship, which we refer to as a related person transaction, the related person must report the proposed related person transaction to our general counsel. The policy calls for the proposed related person transaction to be reviewed and, if deemed appropriate, approved by the Board’sour Audit Committee. Whenever practicable, the reporting, review, and approval will occur prior to entry into the transaction. If advance review and approval is not practicable, the committeeAudit Committee will review, and, in its discretion, may ratify the related person transaction. The policy also permits the Chairman of the committeeAudit Committee to review and, if deemed appropriate, approve proposed related person transactions that arise between committee meetings, subject to ratification by the committeeAudit Committee at its next meeting. Any related person transactions that are ongoing in nature will be reviewed annually.

A related person transaction reviewed under As appropriate for the policycircumstances, the Audit Committee will be considered approved or ratified if it is authorized by the committee after full disclosure of review and consider:


·

the related person’s interest in the transaction. As appropriate for the circumstances, the committee will review and consider:

• the related person’s interest in the related person transaction;
• related person transaction;

·

the approximate dollar value of the amount involved in the related person transaction;

• the approximate dollar value of the amount of the related person’s interest in the transaction without regard to the amount of any profit or loss;
• whether the transaction was undertaken in the ordinary course of our business;
• whether the terms of the transaction are no less favorable to us than terms that could have been reached with an unrelated third party;
• the purpose of, and the potential benefits to us of, the transaction; and
• any other information regarding the related person transaction or the related person in the context of the proposed transaction that would be material to investors in light of the circumstances of the particular transaction.
The committee may approve or ratify the transaction only if the committee determines that, under all of the circumstances, the transaction is in our best interests. The committee may impose any conditions on the related person transaction;

·

whether the terms of the transaction that it deems appropriate.

In additionare no less favorable to us than could have been reached with an unrelated third party; and

·

the transactions that are excluded bypurpose of, and the instructionspotential benefits to us of, the SEC’s related person transaction disclosure rule, thetransaction.


The Board has determined that the followingcertain transactions do not create a material direct or indirect interest on behalf of related persons and, therefore, are not related person transactions for purposes of this policy:

• interests arising solely from the related person’s positionthe policy, such as an executive officer of another entity (whether or not the person is also a director of such entity), that is a participant in the transaction, where (a) the related person and all other related persons own in the aggregate less than a 10% equity interest in such entity, (b) the related person and his or her immediate family members are not involved in the negotiation of the terms of the transaction and do not receive any special benefits as a result of the transaction, (c) the amount involved in the transaction equals less than the greater of $200,000 or 5% of the annual consolidated gross revenues of the other entity that is a party to the transaction, and (d) the amount involved in the transaction equals less than 2% of our annual consolidated gross revenues; and


38


• compensation to an executive officer if the compensation has been approved, or recommended to the Board of Directors for approval by the Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board or a group of independent directors performing a similar function; or
• an arrangement that is specifically contemplated by provisions of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws, such as the exculpation, indemnification, and directors’ and officers’ insurance arrangements contemplated by the certificate of incorporation and bylaws.
The policy provides that transactions involving compensation of executive officers shall be reviewed and approved by the Compensation and Benefits Committee inor an arrangement that is specifically contemplated by provisions of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws, such as the manner specified in its charter.
exculpation, indemnification, and directors’ and officers’ insurance arrangements contemplated by the certificate of incorporation and bylaws.


Certain Relationships and Related Transactions with Tontine

Note Purchase Agreement


On March 4, 2008, we completed the sale of $15 million of senior secured convertible notes which we call our senior notes, to Tontine Partners, L.P. and Tontine Capital Partners, L.P., or the Tontine Purchasers. The sale was completed pursuant to a Senior Secured Convertible Note Purchase Agreement dated as of March 4, 2008 among us, the Tontine Purchasers,partnerships, and Tontine Capital Associates, L.P., as collateral agent.

 Mr. Jeffrey Gendell, who is either a managing member of, or a managing member of the general partner of, the Tontine partnerships is deemed to beneficially own greater than 20% of our outstanding common stock on an as-converted basis. The senior notes bear interest at a rate of 9% per annum, payable in cash or in kind at our option, and are payable in full on March 4, 2013.  TheIn 2009, we paid the Tontine Purchasers may convert the senior notes into sharesentities $1,469,641 of our common stock, initially at a conversion price of $10.00 per share. The number of shares of common stock into which the senior notes may be converted would increase in the circumstances specified in the note purchase agreement, including (i) if we pay interest on the senior notes in kind and (ii) ifinterest.


AUDITORS


Change in Independent Public Accounting Firm


On January 6, 2009, we take the actions described in the note purchase agreement (including paying dividends or making distributions in shares of common stock or issue securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock at an exercise price less than the conversion pricenotified KPMG LLP that, upon completion of the senior notes then in effect), but the senior notes may not be converted into more than 1,877,946 shares of common stock.

In approving the note purchase agreement2008 audit engagement and the transactions contemplated thereby, our board considered, among many other things: (1) current conditions in the capital markets, (2) our liquidity situation and need for additional capital, (3) the then-ongoing financial restatement and our inability to provide audited financial information to prospective lenders, (4) the going concern emphasis contained in the audit report on our most recent annual financial statements, and (5) the termsfiling of the documents proposed to be signed. The board also considered our related persons transaction policy.
InForm 10-K for the note purchase agreement, we agreed that, so long as the Tontine Purchasers and their affiliates, which we refer to collectively as Tontine, own 10% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock:
• Tontine shall have the right to designate two persons for election to our board of directors who are reasonably acceptable to the board, and the board will consist of not more than nine members (not more than seven members when no Series A Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock is outstanding), and
• Subject to the limitations specified in the note purchase agreement, if we offer to sell common stock (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock), then Tontine shall have the right to subscribe for the offered securities on the same terms and conditions and at the same price as the other offerees.
The note purchase agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants and representations and warranties. The Tontine Purchasers may declare the senior notes immediately due and payable upon the occurrence of the events of default described in the note purchase agreement, and the senior notes are immediately due and payable without declaration upon the occurrence of other events of default specified in the note purchase agreement.


39


In connection with the note purchase agreement, we and our subsidiary, Westmoreland Resources, Inc., or WRI, entered into the following agreements with the Tontine Purchasers and the Collateral Agent:
• Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 4, 2008.  Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, we agreed to register the shares of common stock owned by Tontine for sale pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
• Guaranty dated as of March 4, 2008.  Pursuant to the guaranty, WRI guaranteed our indebtedness under the senior notes and the note purchase agreement.
• Security Agreement dated as of March 4, 2008.  Pursuant to the security agreement, WRI granted the collateral agent, for the benefit of the Tontine Purchasers, a security interest in certain of WRI’s assets.
• Pledge Agreement dated as of March 4, 2008.  Pursuant to the pledge agreement, we pledged our interest in the stock of WRI to the collateral agent, for the benefit of the Tontine Purchasers.
In connection with the note purchase agreement, we also amended our Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of February 7, 2003, as amended by the First Amendment to Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated May 2, 2007, to permit Tontine to acquire up to 35% of our outstanding common stock, subject to the limits described therein.
We have agreed to reimburse Tontine for legal fees in connection with the note purchase agreement.
The Tontine Purchasers, together with their affiliates, own 1,550,943 shares of common stock, or approximately 16.4% of the common stock currently outstanding, in each case without giving effect to the senior notes or the common stock issuable upon conversion of the senior notes.
Standby Purchase Agreement
On May 2, 2007, we entered into a Standby Purchase Agreement with Tontine Capital Partners, L.P. Effective July 3, 2007, we, Tontine, and Silverhawk Capital Partners GP, LLC executed the Amended and Restated First Amendment to Standby Purchase Agreement. In that agreement, among other things, we agreed to undertake a rights offering to holders of our common stock, Tontine agreed to certain standby commitments with respect to the rights offering, and, subject to the limitations described in the standby purchase agreement, Tontine agreed to act as a “standby purchaser” to purchase any shares not subscribed for in the rights offering. The note purchase agreement effected a termination of the standby purchase agreement, other than Section 7(c) thereof, which relates to expense reimbursement. Through Marchyear ending December 31, 2008, we had reimbursed approximately $365,000 of Tontine’s costs and expenses (including legal fees) in connection with the standby purchase agreement.
Other Related Person Transactions
Mr. Mark Seglem, the brother of Christopher Seglem, who servedit would be dismissed as our Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer through May 1, 2007, is our Vice President, Strategic Planning and Administration. In 2007, Mr. Mark Seglem was paid $274,274 in total compensation.


40


AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee of the Westmoreland Coal Company Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”) is composed of three directors and operates under a written charter first adopted by the Board of Directors on March 10, 2000 and amended most recently on March 8, 2007.
Management is responsible for the Company’s internal controls and financial reporting process. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsiblefirm. The decision to change accounting firms was approved by our Audit Committee. On March 13, 2009, KPMG completed its audit services for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and issuing a report thereon. The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to retain the independent registered public accounting firm, review and monitor the independence and performance of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, monitor the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting process and systems of internal controls regarding finance, accounting and legal compliance and provide an avenue of communication among the independent registered public accounting firm, management and the Board of Directors.
In this context, the Audit Committee met with management and the independent registered public accounting firm to review and discuss the Company’s significant accounting policies, systems of internal controls and the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007. The Audit Committee also discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol. 1, AU section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1,Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3600T, and has discussed with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm their independence. The Audit Committee also considered whether the independent registered public accounting firm’s provision of non-audit related services to the Company is compatible with maintaining such auditor’s independence.
Based on its discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, and its review of the representations and information provided by management and the independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in Westmoreland Coal Company’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Thomas J. Coffey, Chairman
Richard M. Klingaman
William M. Stern


41


AUDITORS
KPMG LLP served as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.


During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the subsequent period through the date of the filing of the Form 8-K/A on March 23, 2009, we had no: (1) disagreements with KPMG on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to KPMG’s satisfaction, would have caused KPMG to make reference in connection with their opinion to the subject matter of the disagreement; or (2) reportable events, except as described below.  Our management has been selectedauthorized KPMG to serve asrespond fully to the Company’sinquiries of the new independent registered public accounting firm regarding all matters.


KPMG’s reports on our consolidated financial statements as of and for 2008.the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except that the audit report of KPMG on the consolidated financial statements of Westmoreland and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2008 expressed the opinion that various factors raised substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The Company expectsaudit reports of KPMG on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or


25



Table of Contents


accounting principles. The audit reports of KPMG on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles, except that KPMG’s report indicated that we did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 because of the effect of material weaknesses on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria and contained an explanatory paragraph that stated that: “Management identified and included in its assessment material weaknesses related to electronic spreadsheets that impact the Company’s financial reporting, census data used to calculate postretirement medical benefit obligations, and the accounting for one of the Company’s stock based compensation plans.”


We requested and obtained from KPMG a representativeletter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether or not it agreed with the above statements. A copy of thatKPMG’s letter, dated March 16, 2009, is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed March 23, 2009.

Engagement of Ernst & Young LLP


On January 8, 2009, our Audit Committee approved the engagement of Ernst & Young LLP as our new independent registered public accounting firm will be present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statementbeginning with fiscal year 2009, and to respondperform procedures related to appropriate questions from stockholders.

the financial statements to be included in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q, beginning with, and including, the quarter ending March 31, 2009. We did not consult with Ernst & Young during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008, or during any subsequent period prior to its appointment as our auditor with respect to any of the matters or events listed in Regulations S-K 304(a)(2)(i) and (ii).


Auditor’s Fees


The following table summarizes the fees of KPMG, LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm for each of the last two fiscal years.year 2008, and Ernst & Young, for fiscal year 2009. For 2007,2009, audit fees include an estimate of amounts not yet billed.

         
Fee Category
 2007  2006 
 
Audit Fees(1) $1,750,000  $2,304,716 
Audit Related Fees(2) $58,500  $20,400 
Tax Fees(3) $  $24,115 
All Other Fees $  $ 
Total Fees $1,808,500  $2,349,231 


Fee Category(1)

 

 

2009

 

2008

Audit Fees(2)

$

856,000

$

1,136,000

Total Fees

$

856,000

$

1,136,000

(1)

We did not pay any “Audit Related Fees,” “Tax Fees” or “All Other Fees” to either KPMG or Ernst & Young in fiscal years 2008 or 2009.

(1)

(2)

Audit fees consist of fees for the audit of our financial statements, including fees related to the audit of our restated financial statements, the audit of our internal controls over financial reporting, the review of the interim financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form10-Q, and other professional services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings.

(2)Audit-related fees consist of fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit and the review of our financial statements and which are not reported under “Audit Fees”. These services relate to employee benefit plan audits in 2007 and 2006 and review of certain SEC filings in 2007.
(3)Tax fees consist of fees for tax consulting services in 2006. Tax consulting services relate to assistance with tax audits and appeals.


Pre-Approval Policy and Procedures


The Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures relating to the approval of all audit and non-audit services that are to be performed by the Company’sour registered public accounting firm. This policy generally provides that the Companywe will not engage itsour registered public accounting firm to render audit or non-audit services unless the service is specifically approved in advance by the Audit Committee or the engagement is entered into pursuant to one of the pre-approval procedures described below.

procedures. From time to time,time-to-time, the Audit Committee may pre-approve specified types of services that are expected to be provided to the Companyus by itsour registered public accounting firm during the next 12 months. Any such pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or type of services to be provided and is also generally subject to a maximum dollar amount.
The Audit Committee has also delegated to the Chairman of the Audit Committee the authority to approve any audit or non-audit services to be provided to the Companyus by itsour registered public accounting firm. Any approval of services by the Chairman of the Audit Committee pursuant to this delegated authority is reported on at the next meeting of the Audit Committee.
All fees paid to KPMG LLP in 20072008 and all fees paid to Ernst & Young in 2009 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.


42


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Table of Contents


PROPOSAL 1

PROPOSALS

ELECTION OF STOCKHOLDERS FOR 2009 ANNUAL MEETING

Any proposal thatDIRECTORS BY THE HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK


Each of our common stock director nominees is currently a stockholdermember of the Company wishes to be considered for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement and proxy card for the Company’s 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2009 Annual Meeting”) must be submitted to the Secretary of the Company at its offices, 2 North Cascade Avenue, 2nd Floor, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903, no later than December 17, 2008. In addition, such proposals must comply with the requirements ofRule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.

If a stockholder of the Company wishes to present a proposal before the 2009 Annual Meeting, but does not wish to have the proposal considered for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement and proxy card, such stockholder must also give written notice to the Secretary of the CompanyBoard. Each director elected at the address noted above. The Secretary must receive such notice no earlier than January 15, 2009annual meeting shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders, or until his death, resignation, or removal, if earlier.  While Tontine Capital Partners, L.P. and no later than February 14, 2009, and the stockholder must comply with the provisions of the Company’s By-Laws.
The Company reservesTontine Partners, L.P. have the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respectdesignate two individuals for election to our Board as common stock directors pursuant to a Secured Convertible Note Purchase Agreement dated March 4, 2008, they have not so designated any proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements, including conditions established by the SEC. If a stockholder fails to provide timely notice of a proposal to be presenteddirectors at the 2009 Annual Meeting, the proxies designated by thethis time.


The Board of Directors recommends that holders of Common Stock vote “FOR” the election of the Companyfollowing nominees whose biographical information can be found above on pages 4 and 5:


·

Keith E. Alessi;

·

Thomas J. Coffey;

·

Michael R. D’Appolonia; and

·

Richard M. Klingaman.


PROPOSAL 2

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS BY THE HOLDERS OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK


The holders of our Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to elect two members to the Board. Each person elected at the meeting shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders, or until his death, resignation, or removal, if earlier. In addition, if the special voting rights of the Series A Preferred Stock terminate, the terms of office of the directors elected by the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will immediately terminate.


The Board recommends that holders of Depositary Shares vote “FOR” the election of the following nominees whose biographical information can be found above on page 5:


·

William M. Stern; and

·

Frank T. Vicino, Jr.


PROPOSAL 3

RATIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL INDEPENDENT AUDITOR


The Audit Committee appointed the firm of Ernst & Young LLP as our principal independent auditor for fiscal year 2010.  Ernst & Young LLP served as our principal independent auditor in fiscal year 2009. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the annual meeting, will have discretionary authoritythe opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will be available to respond to questions.


The Board recommends that you vote on any such proposal.

* * *
FOR ratifying the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as principal independent auditor for 2010.


MISCELLANEOUS


Upon the written request of any person who on the record date was a record owner of Companyour stock, or who represents in good faith that he or she was on such date abeneficial owner of such stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, the Company annual meeting, wewill send such person, without charge, a copy of itsour Annual Report onForm 10-K for 2007,2009, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.Requests for this report should be directed to the Vice President-Corporate Relations, Diane S. Jones, atCorporate Secretary, Westmoreland Coal Company, 2nd Floor, 2 NorthCascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct Policy which is applicable to all employees, including all senior officers and financial personnel. A copy of the Company’s Code of Conduct Policy can be found on the Company’s web site at www.westmoreland.com. The Company will provide any person, without charge, upon request, a copy of its Code of Conduct. Requests for the Code of Conduct should be in writing and should be directed to the attention of the General Counsel of the Company at the preceding address.

OTHER BUSINESS


The Board of Directors has no present intention of bringing any other business before the meeting and has not been informed of any other matters that are to be presented to the meeting. If any other matters properly come before the meeting, however, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote in accordance with their best judgment.

By order


March 29, 2010


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Table of the Board of Directors

Contents


43




Using a black ink pen, mark

[proxycard002.gif]

WESTMORELAND COAL COMPANY

2 N. CASCADE AVE., 2ND FLOOR

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903

ATTN: JENNIFER S. GRAFTON

VOTE BY INTERNET -www.proxyvote.com

Use the Internet to transmit your votes withvoting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an X as shownelectronic voting


ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS

If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in this example. Please do not write outsidemailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the designated areas. X Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or


VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.


VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.



TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

M22366-P91502

KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 

 

 

 

 

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WESTMORELAND COAL COMPANY

 

For

Withhold

For All

 

To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “ For All Except ” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below.

 

 

 

 

All

All

Except

 

 

The Board of Directors recommends that

holders of Common Stock vote "FOR" the election of the following nominees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

0

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Nominees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

01)

  Keith E. Alessi;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

02)

  Thomas J. Coffey;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

03)

  Michael R. D’Appolonia; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

04)

  Richard M. Klingaman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Board recommends that you vote FOR ratifying the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as principal independent auditor for 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For

Against

Abstain

 

 

 

2.

 Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our principal independent auditor for fiscal year 2010.

0

0

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name, by authorized officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]

Date

 

 

Signature (Joint Owners)

Date

 

 

 





Table of Contents

















Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

Combined Document is available at

www.proxyvote.com.













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WESTMORELAND COAL COMPANY

Annual Meeting Proxy Card PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. . A Proposal — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the listed nominees. 2. Election of DirectorsStockholders

May 20, 2010 8:30 AM

This proxy is solicited by holders of Depositary Shares: For Withhold 01 — Richard M. Klingaman 02 — William M. Stern B Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below NOTE: Please sign this proxy exactly as your name appears on hereon. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, administrator, trustee or guardian please give your full title as such. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. 1UPX 0174582 00W3ID


PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. . Proxy — Westmoreland Coal Company DEPOSITARY SHARES Proxy for DEPOSITARY SHARES Only Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors Annual Meeting — May 15, 2008

The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Keith E. Alessi, Morris W. Kegley and DianeJennifer S. Jones and each of them, as true and lawful agents and proxies with power of substitution, to represent the undersigned and to vote all Depositary Shares of stock held by the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Corporate Headquarters, 2 N. Cascade Avenue, 2nd Floor, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, on Thursday, May 15, 2008, at 8:30 a.m. (mountain time), and at any adjournments thereof, on all matters coming before said meeting as noted on the reverse side of this card. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no directions are given, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of directors. IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY POSTPONEMENT OR ADJOURNMENT THEREOF. You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes, SEE REVERSE SIDE, but you need not mark any boxes if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations. The proxies cannot vote your shares unless you sign and return this card. PLEASE VOTE, DATE AND SIGN THIS PROXY ON THE OTHER SIDE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.


Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. X Annual Meeting Proxy Card PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. . A Proposal — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the listed nominees. 2. Election of Directors by holders of Depositary Shares: For Withhold 01 — Richard M. Klingaman 02 — William M. Stern B Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below NOTE: Please sign this proxy exactly as your name appears on hereon. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, administrator, trustee or guardian please give your full title as such. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. 1UPX 0174584 00W3MD


PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. . Proxy — Westmoreland Coal Company 401-K PLAN DEPOSITARY SHARES Proxy for 401-K PLAN DEPOSITARY SHARES Only Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors Annual Meeting — May 15, 2008 The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Keith E. Alessi, Morris W. Kegley, and Diane S. Jones and each of them, as true and lawful agents and proxies with power of substitution, to represent the undersigned and to vote all Depositary Shares of stock held by the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Corporate Headquarters, 2 N. Cascade Avenue, 2nd Floor, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, on Thursday, May 15, 2008, at 8:30 a.m. (mountain time), and at any adjournments thereof, on all matters coming before said meeting as noted on the reverse side of this card. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no directions are given, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of directors. IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY POSTPONEMENT OR ADJOURNMENT THEREOF. You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes, SEE REVERSE SIDE, but you need not mark any boxes if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations. PLEASE VOTE, DATE AND SIGN THIS PROXY ON THE OTHER SIDE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.


C123456789 000004 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 ADD 5 ADD 6 Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. X Annual Meeting Proxy Card PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. . A Proposal — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the listed nominees. 1. Election of Directors by holders of Common Stock: For Withhold 01 — Keith E. Alessi 02 — Thomas J. Coffey B Non-Voting Items Change of Address — Please print your new address below. Meeting Attendance Mark the box to the right if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. Comments — Please print your comments below. Receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement dated April 16, 2008 are hereby acknowledged. Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below NOTE: Please sign this proxy exactly as your name appears on hereon. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, administrator, trustee or guardian please give your full title as such. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE C 1234567890 J N T 140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND 1UPX 0174581 MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND 00W3HC


PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. . Proxy — Westmoreland Coal Company COMMON STOCK Proxy for COMMON STOCK Only Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors Annual Meeting — May 15, 2008 The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Keith E. Alessi, Morris W. Kegley, and Diane S. JonesGrafton and each of them, as true and lawful agents and proxies with power of substitution, to represent the undersigned and to vote all shares of Common Stock held by the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Corporate Headquarters,our corporate offices, 2 N. Cascade Avenue, 2nd Floor, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, on Thursday, May 15, 2008,20, 2010, at 8:30 a.m. (mountain time), and at any adjournments thereof, on all matters coming before said meeting as noted on the reverse side of this card.

This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no directions are given, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of directors.directors and FOR the ratification of auditors. IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY POSTPONEMENT OR ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.

You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes, SEE REVERSE SIDE, but you need not mark any boxes if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors’Directors' recommendations. The proxies cannot vote yourthe shares unless you sign and return this card. PLEASE VOTE, DATE AND SIGN THIS PROXY ON THE OTHER SIDE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

Continued and to be signed on reverse side





Table of Contents



C123456789 000004 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1 ADD

[proxycard002.gif]

WESTMORELAND COAL COMPANY

2 ADD 3 ADD 4 ADD 5 ADD 6 Using a black ink pen, markN. CASCADE AVE., 2ND FLOOR

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903

ATTN: JENNIFER S. GRAFTON

VOTE BY INTERNET -www.proxyvote.com

Use the Internet to transmit your votes withvoting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an X as shownelectronic voting


ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS

If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in this example. Please do not write outsidemailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the designated areas. X Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or


VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.


VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.






TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

M22368-P91502

KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS

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THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WESTMORELAND COAL COMPANY

 

For

Withhold

For All

 

To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “ For All Except ” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below.

 

 

 

 

All

All

Except

 

 

The Board recommends that holders of Depository Shares vote "FOR" the election of the following nominees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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0

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS BY THE HOLDERS OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nominees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

01)

  William M. Stern; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

02)

  Frank T. Vicino, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Board recommends that you vote FOR ratifying the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as principal independent auditor for 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For

Against

Abstain

 

 

 

2.

Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our principal independent auditor for fiscal year 2010.

0

0

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name, by authorized officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  ;

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]

Date

 

 

Signature (Joint Owners)

Date

 

 

 





Table of Contents

















Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

Combined Document is available at

www.proxyvote.com.













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WESTMORELAND COAL COMPANY

Annual Meeting Proxy Card PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. . A Proposal — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the listed nominees. 1. Election of DirectorsStockholders

May 20, 2010 8:30 AM

This proxy is solicited by holders of Common Stock: For Withhold 01 — Keith E. Alessi 02 — Thomas J. Coffey B Non-Voting Items Change of Address — Please print your new address below. Meeting Attendance Mark the box to the right if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. Comments — Please print your comments below. Receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement dated April 16, 2008 are hereby acknowledged. Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below NOTE: Please sign this proxy exactly as your name appears on hereon. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, administrator, trustee or guardian please give your full title as such. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE C 1234567890 J N T 140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND 1UPX 0174583 MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND NNNNNNN 00W3LC


PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. Proxy — Westmoreland Coal Company 401-K PLAN COMMON STOCK Proxy for 401-K PLAN COMMON STOCK Only Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors Annual Meeting — May 15, 2008

The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Keith E. Alessi, Morris W. Kegley and DianeJennifer S. JonesGrafton and each of them, as true and lawful agents and proxies with power of substitution, to represent the undersigned and to vote all shares of Common Stock held by the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Corporate Headquarters,our corporate offices, 2 N. Cascade Avenue, 2nd Floor, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, on Thursday, May 15, 2008,20, 2010, at 8:30 a.m. (mountain time), and at any adjournments thereof, on all matters coming before said meeting as noted on the reverse side of this card.

This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no directions are given, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of directors.directors and FOR the ratification of auditors. IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY POSTPONEMENT OR ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.

You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes, SEE REVERSE SIDE, but you need not mark any boxes if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors’Directors' recommendations. PLEASE VOTE, DATE AND SIGN THIS PROXY ON THE OTHER SIDE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.The proxies cannot vote the shares unless you sign and return this card.

Continued and to be signed on reverse side