Cloud Peak Energy CEO donates first shares of new company to Youth Emergency Services in Gillette

Gillette, Wyoming -  On December 15, Cloud Peak Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CLD) President and Chief Executive Officer, Colin Marshall, presented the Youth Emergency Services, Inc. in Gillette with the first 500 shares of Cloud Peak Energy, Inc. stock. Mr. Marshall made the trade for those first shares in Cloud Peak Energy, Inc., formerly Rio Tinto Energy America, at the beginning of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) for the company on November 20, 2009.  Ownership in the shares was officially transferred during a small ceremony at the Youth Emergency Services (YES) House today.

“I am particularly pleased that the establishment of Cloud Peak Energy, Inc. has given me this opportunity to provide my individual support for the YES House,” stated Mr. Marshall. “It is traditional that the first purchase of stock in an IPO is made personally by the CEO and then donated to a selected organization that is known for their dedication and services. I made the first purchase of 500 shares of Cloud Peak Energy, Inc. stock with the YES House in mind and now I am proud to provide them these shares so they can prosper along with our new company.”

Prior to becoming a publicly traded entity the company supported the efforts and critical services provided to the community by the Youth Emergency Services, Inc.  This contribution of Cloud Peak Energy, Inc. stock to the YES House demonstrates that the new company is dedicated to maintaining the same strong commitments to neighboring communities and the supporting organizations.

Mr. Marshall noted that “Since Cloud Peak Energy, Inc. is the only NYSE-listed coal company headquartered in Wyoming it is quite fitting that the recipient of the first trade stock is a community service organization that is essential to Gillette, Wyoming and surrounding Campbell County.”

Following the ceremony, the Executive Director of the Youth Emergency Services, Inc., Sheri England, said, "We are delighted to be chosen by Cloud Peak Energy, Inc. and, personally, by Mr. Colin Marshall to be a recipient of such a wonderful donation. It was a sweet holiday surprise for all of us. We wish Cloud Peak Energy and its employees much prosperity and success."

The YES House provides quality services to youth and their families including shelter, counseling, prevention, education, intervention and support on a twenty-four hour basis with the ultimate goal of ensuring safety and keeping families together whenever possible.

Cloud Peak Energy Inc. (NYSE: CLD) is headquartered in Wyoming and is the third largest coal producer in the United States. As one of the safest, most efficient coal producers in the nation, Cloud Peak Energy Inc. specializes in the production of low sulfur, sub-bituminous coal. The company owns and operates three surface coal mines: Antelope Mine and Cordero Rojo Mine are located in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming, and Spring Creek Mine is located near Decker, Montana. With approximately 1,500 employees, the company is widely recognized for its exemplary performance in its safety and environmental programs. Cloud Peak Energy Inc. is a sustainable fuel supplier for approximately 4.4 percent of the nation’s electricity.