Associated Press - November 19, 2009 4:45 PM ET

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Utah regulators put the decision on a strip mine permit on the fast track after the coal operator complained to Utah Gov. Gary Herbert that they were taking too long.

A memo written by a state regulator and obtained by The Associated Press shows the company met with Herbert in September and that the result of the meeting was that regulators would hurry a decision.

Conservation groups are challenging the permit that lets Alton Coal Development LLC mine two million tons of coal a year in private lands south of Panguitch. Alton Coal also is seeking permission to mine surrounding federal lands.

Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining Director John Baza tells AP that he sat in on the governor's meeting and volunteered to expedite a decision without pressure from Herbert.

Herbert's office referred calls to Baza.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.