Shares of most coal producers posted gains in midday trading Friday, as the price of oil surpassed a benchmark of $70 a barrel and a congressional committee continued discussion of a wide-ranging energy bill.

Light, sweet crude for August delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange rose 85 cents to $70.42 a barrel. It hit a high of $70.75 earlier in the session.

Investors are also watching the House of Representatives, which is in the midst of discussions on legislation that lawmakers hope will reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil by supporting U.S.-based energy sources, including fossil fuels and renewable energy.

Here’s how shares of coal companies fared at midday:

Peabody Energy rose 52 cents to $48.68.

Massey Energy up 16 cents to $26.30.

Consol Energy Inc. added 9 cents at $46.26.

Arch Coal rose 44 cents to $34.90.

Foundation Coal Holdings gained 55 cents at $40.54.

Alpha Natural Resources Inc. up 30 cent at $20.96.

James River Coal Co. fell 14 cents to $12.73.

Fording Canadian Coal Trust rose 82 cents, or 2.5 percent, to $32.56.

Questions or comments about this story should be directed to the Financial News desk of The Associated Press at 212-621-7190.

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