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Governor-Elect Matt Bevin appoints Charles G. Snavely Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary


Governor-Elect Matt Bevin has announced the appointment of Charles G. Snavely as Secretary of the Energy and Environment Cabinet.

Snavely, a native of Prestonsburg, brings more than 35 years of experience in the coal mining industry.

“I am pleased to appoint Charles Snavely to lead the Energy and Environment Cabinet,” said Governor-Elect Bevin. “His professionalism and leadership experience in the industry are well known. Charles understands the balance we must maintain between the Commonwealth’s need for low-cost, reliable energy and the need for clean water and air for all Kentuckians.”

Snavely (provided photo)

Snavely (provided photo)

Snavely served recently as the President of Eastern U.S. Operations for Arch Coal, Inc. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President of Mining Operations of International Coal Group.

“I am truly honored to be offered this opportunity to serve the Governor and the Commonwealth,” said Snavely. “I will do everything in my power to further our progress on protecting the environment while helping nurture a healthy economy.”

He is a distinguished alumnus in mining engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and is about to complete his Executive Master’s of Business Administration through a joint program between the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville.

Charles and his wife, Shari, live in Lexington. Shari is a native of Inez, KY. They have one adult daughter, Kathryn.


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One Comment

  1. ruth bamberger says:

    At a time when the energy industry is undergoing a major transition requiring a diversity of energy resources, most notably renewables, the appointment of a coal executive to head the Energy/.Environment Cabinet is questionable. Coal is on its way out regardless of how much KY drags its feet. Hopefully, Mr. Snavely will
    move beyond his immediate experience in the coal industry and recognize the need to get this state “beyond coal”. There’s great potential to generate joins, affordable electricity, and better health for Kentuckians by moving into 21st century energy technologies.

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