Cloud Peak Energy Inc. Announces Schedule for Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2009 Results

Gillette, WY, March 11, 2010 – Cloud Peak Energy Inc. (NYSE:CLD), the third-largest U.S. coal producer and the only pure-play Powder River Basin coal company, plans to announce its full year and fourth quarter 2009 financial results on March 16, 2010 after the markets close.

A conference call with management is scheduled at 5:00 p.m. EDT on March 16, 2010 to review the results and current business conditions. The call will be webcast live over the internet from the Company's web site at www.cloudpeakenergy.com under "Investor Relations". Participants should follow the instructions provided on the website for downloading and installing the audio applications necessary to join the webcast. Interested individuals also can access the live conference call via telephone at 800-573-4840 (domestic) or 617-224-4326 (international) and entering passcode 95523998.

Following the live webcast, a replay will be available at the same URL on the Company's web site for 7 days. A telephonic replay will also be available approximately one hour after the call and can be accessed by dialing 888-286-8010 (domestic) or 617-801-6888 (international) and entering passcode 80783859. The telephonic replay will be available for seven days.

About Cloud Peak Energy™
Cloud Peak Energy Inc. (NYSE:CLD) is headquartered in Wyoming and is the third largest coal producer in the United States. As one of the safest coal producers in the nation, Cloud Peak Energy specializes in the production of low sulfur, sub-bituminous coal. The company owns and operates three surface coal mines in the Powder River Basin, the lowest cost major coal producing region in the nation. The Antelope Mine and Cordero Rojo Mine are located in Wyoming and the Spring Creek Mine is located near Decker, Montana. With approximately 1,500 employees, the company is widely recognized for its exemplary performance in its safety and environmental programs. Cloud Peak Energy is a sustainable fuel supplier for approximately 4 percent of the nation’s electricity.