Cloud Peak Energy Appoints Bryan Pechersky as Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Gillette, WY, January 18, 2010 – Cloud Peak Energy Inc. (NYSE:CLD) announced that Bryan Pechersky joined the company as Executive Vice President and General Counsel on January 18, 2010.

Pechersky was most recently Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for Harte-Hanks, Inc. (NYSE: HHS), a worldwide, direct and targeted marketing company. Prior to joining Harte-Hanks, Pechersky served as Senior Vice President, Secretary and Senior Corporate Counsel for Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI), a global movie and game entertainment retailer. Pechersky also served as Deputy General Counsel and Secretary for Unocal Corporation (NYSE: UCL), an international energy company acquired by Chevron Corporation in 2005, and was in private practice with the law firm Vinson & Elkins LLP. Pechersky earned his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas, Austin, Texas.

President and Chief Executive Officer Colin Marshall said, "Bryan’s strong background as a general counsel and in senior leadership positions for other public companies, including in the energy industry, makes him well suited to serve as Cloud Peak’s first general counsel. We welcome Bryan as a member of our management team and look forward to Bryan's contributions to our company."

About Cloud Peak Energy

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.