(1) Two members shall serve for a term beginning on the first day of May, one thousand nine hundred ninety-seven, and ending on the thirtieth day of June, one thousand nine hundred ninety-nine;
(2) Two members shall serve for a term beginning on the first day of May, one thousand nine hundred ninety-seven, and ending on the thirtieth day of June, two thousand;
(3) Two members shall serve for a term beginning on the first day of May, one thousand nine hundred ninety-seven, and ending on the thirtieth day of June, two thousand one.
(b) Of the two members appointed under each of subdivisions (1), (2) and (3), subsection (a) of this section, one shall be a person who can reasonably be expected to represent the viewpoint or interests of coal operators in this state and one shall be a person who can reasonably be expected to represent the viewpoint or interests of working miners in this state.
(c) Members serving on the commission on the effective date of the amendment of this section may continue to serve until the expiration of their terms. Thereafter, members shall be nominated and appointed in the manner provided in this section and section three hundred four of this article.
(d) After the initial appointments, all members shall be appointed for terms of four years. Members are eligible for reappointment.