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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2001

CARL E. BAGGE, FORMER NCA HEAD, DIES IN FLORIDA

Carl E. Bagge, former president of the National Coal Association (NCA), died April 25, 2001, in Boynton Beach, Florida. He was 74, and a former resident of Potomac, Maryland.

Bagge was NCA president during the industry's years of greatest growth and political change. His 16-year tenure as chief spokesman for the American coal industry earned him a reputation of being one of Washington's most effective advocates on national and international energy issues and the nickname "Mr. Coal."

Bagge was twice elected vice-chairman of the Federal Power Commission (FPC, now the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) and served on that body from 1965, when appointed by President Lyndon Johnson, to 1971, when he joined NCA.

During the 16 years he led the NCA--whose members included coal producers, exporters, transporters and users-he won international recognition as an expert on the politics of coal and on the broader dimensions of energy supply and demand.

Bagge was a founder and vice chairman of the International Committee for Coal Research and was instrumental in the United States-Japan and United States-Europe International Coal Conference. But his greatest influence was felt in Washington.

Bagge, a native of Chicago, Illinois, received his Bachelor of Arts degree (summa cum laude) in 1949 from Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, and his Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern School of Law in 1952. He did further academic work at Uppsala University in Sweden, Northwestern University School of Commerce and the Institute of Business Economics, University of Southern California. He served in the U.S. Navy 1945-46. He worked for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad from 1952 until he joined the FPC in 1952 and in early 1965 was named General Attorney for the company.

NMA President and CEO Jack Gerard, praised Bagge's service with one of NMA's predecessor organizations and noted that his work in Washington delivered to the industry the flexibility it needed to grow. "The coal industry would have been a different story without the contributions of Carl's savvy and experience in dealing with government," Gerard said.

"Carl Bagge is still widely regarded on Capitol Hill, by Democrats and Republicans alike," stated Gerard. "He served our industry well, and we are grateful for that service. Our sympathies are with his wife and family."

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Evelyn,; three daughters, Carol E. Alberti of Chesterton, Indiana, Barbara A. Bretz of Springfield, Illinois, and Beverly J. Steinberg of Villa Park, Florida; a son, Charles E. of Knoxville, Tennessee; and nine grandchildren.

Funeral services for Bagge were held last week. Donations in his memory can be made to the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association or the Living Lord Lutheran Church at 11120 State Road 70 East, Bradenton, Florida 34202.