Peabody Energy Chairman and CEO Gregory H. Boyce Honored for Distinguished Service by the University of Arizona

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Peabody Energy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gregory H. Boyce has been honored with a Distinguished Service Award from the University of Arizona College of Engineering. Boyce was honored for his contributions to the energy industry and leadership in developing innovative solutions for America's energy needs using clean coal technologies.

"There is no greater challenge we face as a nation and as a global community than to find a long-term, sustainable solution to our energy needs," said Tom Peterson, Dean of the University of Arizona's College of Engineering. "Coal is the backbone of our energy resource portfolio, and we honor Greg for his leadership and innovation as Chairman and CEO of the world's largest coal company. He epitomizes the leadership strength that comes from an educational background and business experience that combines engineering and management."

Boyce is a University of Arizona alumnus and has extensive U.S. and international management, operating and engineering experience. Under his leadership, Peabody has become an industry leader in developing Btu Conversion projects that use technology to develop clean energy solutions from coal. He joined the company in October 2003 as President and Chief Operating Officer, was named Chief Executive Officer and elected to the Board of Directors in March 2005 and chairs the Executive Committee. He was elected Chairman in October 2007.

Boyce holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Arizona, and the Advanced Management Program Degree from Harvard University's Graduate School of Business.

Boyce's leadership activities include serving as Vice Chairman of the World Coal Institute and as a member of the Coal Industry Advisory Board of the International Energy Agency. He is Co-Chairman of the Coal-Based Generation Stakeholders Group and chaired the National Coal Council's 2006 report, "Coal: America's Energy Future." He is a board member of the Business Roundtable, the Center for Energy and Economic Development (CEED) and the National Mining Association.

Boyce also is a member of the Board of Directors of the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association and a member of Civic Progress in St. Louis. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the School of Engineering and Applied Science National Council at Washington University in St. Louis; the Advisory Council of the University of Arizona's Department of Mining and Geological Engineering and St. Louis Children's Hospital.

Peabody Energy is the world's largest private-sector coal company, with 2006 sales of 248 million tons of coal and $5.3 billion in revenues. Its coal products fuel approximately 10 percent of all U.S. electricity generation and more than 2 percent of worldwide electricity.

CONTACT: Derrell Carter (314) 342-7667