History
In late 1985, several individuals involved in coalbed methane activities in Northern and Central Appalachian coal basins established the Pittsburgh Coalbed Methane Forum. The first forum was held on April 23, 1986 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was attended by 59 persons. The Forum was governed by a Steering Committee with representatives from the coalbed methane industry, coal producers, natural gas producers, as well as representatives from service industries, government and academia.
In the Fall of 1986, the Forum held its second session in Morgantown, West Virginia, establishing a pattern of Spring sessions in Pittsburgh and Fall sessions in Morgantown that continues to this day.
The Pittsburgh Coalbed Methane Forum became associated with West Virginia University in 1993, with the Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering providing coordination for the Forum. A year later, in 1994, the Pittsburgh Coalbed Methane Forum became the North American Coalbed Methane Forum to reflect more accurately the national and even international scope of the Forum. It is the only forum in North America providing a regular meeting venue for the coalbed methane industry.
That same year, the Forum sponsored an “International Conference and Exhibition on Coalbed Methane Development.” The two-day conference provided an opportunity for various countries to present information on coalbed methane reserves, infrastructure and business climates, as well as meet with people in the energy industry and investment community.
In October 1997, the North American Coalbed Methane Forum was incorporated in the state of West Virginia as a not-for-profit corporation. The Board of Directors, elected annually at the Spring Session, governs the Corporation.
During the Fall Session of 1998, the North American Coalbed Methane Forum awarded its first scholarship. The scholarship in the amount of $1000.00 was awarded to Mr. Chad Stallard, an undergraduate in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Department at West Virginia University. This annual scholarship is awarded to a qualified recipient selected by a special committee established by the Board of Directors.
In 2003, the Forum established an endowment with West Virginia University Foundation to provide a permanent NACMF scholarship with the University.
2010 marks the 25th Anniversary for the Forum which will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn at South Point near Canonsburg, PA.
Recognition Award
North American Coalbed Methane Forum has established a recognition award to acknowledge those individuals who have made significant contribution to the development and enhancement of gas production from coal seams.
- Dr. Oliver Turner *
- Mr. William Hurtt *
- Mr. Maurice Deul
- Mr. Chuck Dixon
- Mr. Eustice Frederick *
- Mr. Joseph Cervik
- Mr. Charles Komar *
- Mr. William Poundstone
- Mr. G. R. Spindler *
- Dr. Fred N Kissell
- Mr. W P Diamond