8-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 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): January 5, 2010

Patriot Coal Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	001-33466	20-5622045
(State or other jurisdiction	(Commission	(IRS Employer
of incorporation)	File Number)	Identification No.)

12312 Olive Boulevard, Suite 400	63141
St. Louis, Missouri	(Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (314) 275-3600

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 8.01. Other Events.

     On January 5, 2010, Patriot Coal Corporation issued the attached press release regarding completion of the Environmental Protection Agency’s enhanced review of the Hobet 45 permit.

     A copy of the form of press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit No.	Description
99.1	Press Release of Patriot Coal Corporation dated January 5, 2010

SIGNATURES

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 hereunto duly authorized.

Dated: January 5, 2010

PATRIOT COAL CORPORATION
By:	/s/ Mark N. Schroeder
	Mark N. Schroeder
	Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

NEWS RELEASE
	CONTACT: Janine Orf (314) 275-3680 jorf@patriotcoal.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY COMPLETES
ENHANCED REVIEW OF HOBET 45 PERMIT

     ST. LOUIS, January 5 – Patriot Coal Corporation (NYSE: PCX) today announced its understanding that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has advised the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that its concerns regarding the Hobet 45 permit have been addressed. The Corps of Engineers is now in a position to finalize its evaluation process.

     “We are encouraged that, through a constructive process of engagement and discussion, we have reached agreement with EPA on a mine plan that minimizes impact to the environment,” said Patriot Chief Executive Officer Richard M. Whiting. “In light of the importance of the Hobet 45 permit to our operations and our employees, we are hopeful that we can begin work in the permit area in the very near future.”

     The Hobet surface mine is part of the Company’s Corridor G mining complex in southern West Virginia. At full production capability, the complex produces nearly four million tons of thermal coal annually.

About Patriot Coal

Patriot Coal Corporation is a leading producer and marketer of coal in the eastern United States, with 14 current mining complexes in Appalachia and the Illinois Basin. The Company ships to domestic and international electric utilities, industrial users and metallurgical coal customers, and controls approximately 1.8 billion tons of proven and probable coal reserves. The Company’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PCX.

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