Cloud Peak Energy Inc. Announces Results of 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Following its annual meeting of stockholders today, Cloud Peak Energy
Inc. (NYSE: CLD), one of the largest U.S. coal producers and the only
pure-play Powder River Basin (PRB) coal company, announced that the
company′s stockholders have elected current directors Colin Marshall and
Steven Nance to its Board of Directors to serve until Cloud Peak
Energy′s 2015 annual meeting.

Cloud Peak Energy also announced that its stockholders:

• 
  ratified the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the
  company's independent registered public accounting firm for the 2012
  fiscal year; and
  
• 
  approved, on an advisory basis, the compensation of Cloud Peak
  Energy's named executive officers, as disclosed in its 2012 Proxy
  Statement.
  

Additional information about these proposals can be found in the
company's proxy statement for the annual meeting, which was mailed to
stockholders and filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The voting results are based on the preliminary report of the company's
inspector of election. Final results will be included in the company's
current report on Form 8-K to be filed within four business days of the
annual meeting.

About Cloud Peak Energy ^?

Cloud Peak Energy Inc. (NYSE:CLD) is headquartered in Wyoming and
is one of the largest U.S. coal producers and the only pure-play PRB
coal company. As one of the safest coal producers in the nation, Cloud
Peak Energy specializes in the production of low sulfur, subbituminous
coal. The company owns and operates three surface coal mines in the PRB,
the lowest cost major coal producing region in the nation. The Antelope
and Cordero Rojo mines are located in Wyoming and the Spring Creek mine
is located near Decker, Montana. With approximately 1,600 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% of the nation′s electricity.

Cloud Peak Energy Inc.

Karla Kimrey, 720-566-2932

Vice
President, Investor Relations