Peabody, Arch battle federal block of joint venture

CASPER — Over one year ago, two of the nation’s leading coal companies proposed a plan to form a joint venture and combine operations in Wyoming. The decision came as a surprise to many in the state where the companies operate five coal mines. But this spring, the federal government moved to block the venture planned by Peabody Energy Corp. and Arch Resources Inc. over concerns the move could stifle competition and hurt consumers by hiking up prices for the commodity.

Now, the coal companies behind the proposal have moved to defend their joint venture in federal court.

The Federal Trade...