8-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K


CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 18, 1994



Westmoreland Coal Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware                     0-752                23-1128670
(State or other         (Commission File         (IRS Employer
jurisdiction of              Number)             Identification No.)
incorporation)


700 The Bellevue, 200 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania                                  19102
(Address of principal executive offices)                (Zip Code)



Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (215) 545-2500 


Item 5.    Other Events.

   On April 18, 1994, Westmoreland Coal Company announced that it 
has reached an agreement in principle to sell the assets of its 
independent power and cogeneration subsidiary, Westmoreland Energy, 
Inc., to several purchasers.

   A press release describing the transaction is attached as an 
exhibit and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7.    Exhibits.

   Press release dated April 18, 1994.





EXHIBIT INDEX


                                                        Sequentially
Exhibit    Description of Exhibit                         Numbered
Number                                                      Page
  1        Press release dated April 18, 1994.               4

















SIGNATURE





     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its 
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


                             WESTMORELAND COAL COMPANY




Date:  April 18, 1994        By:/s/ Francis J. Boyle
                                Francis J. Boyle
                                Senior Vice President,
                                Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

EX-99

Westmoreland Coal Company
Announces Agreement to Sell Assets
of Westmoreland Energy, Inc.


Philadelphia, PA -- April 18, 1994 -- Westmoreland Coal Company 
(NYSE:WCX) today announced that it has reached an agreement in principle 
to sell the assets of its independent power and cogeneration subsidiary, 
Westmoreland Energy, Inc., to several purchasers.  The purchasers, all 
represented by LCRW Power Company, L.P., include affiliates of Allstate 
Insurance Company, Energy Investors Fund II, L.P., LCRW and Ridgewood 
Power Corp.  The aggregate purchase price is subject to accounting 
adjustments, but is expected to be in excess of $50 million, plus the 
assumption of Westmoreland's remaining equity commitments for projects 
under construction.

	The sale is subject to negotiation of definitive documentation, 
board and financing approvals, third party consents and regulatory 
approvals.  A third quarter closing is expected.

	As stated last fall, Westmoreland believes it can realize full 
value for Westmoreland Energy with a sale at this time.  A majority of 
the proceeds will be used to pay down $46 million of maturing credit 
obligations.  Westmoreland intends to concentrate on its core business, 
the production and marketing of coal.

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