Controversy Abounds in Wake of Deadly Coal Mine Explosion
29 coal miners died early this month in an explosion at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch mine in Montcoal, West Virginia. The small community revolves around the coal mine and has been rocked by the tragedy, which has not stopped mining operations for Performance Coal Company, the Massey subsidiary that runs the mine. Coal mining already stirs up enough controversy these days given its effect on the environment, mountaintop removal and the ever-present danger inherent in it, as evidenced by the recent methane gas explosion — the worst American mining tragedy in 40 years.
To make matters worse, Massey Energy has reportedly denied workers the right to attend the funerals of friends and loved ones who died in the blast. According to the Washington Independent, Massey Energy has not only denied time off for funeral attendance, but has also “rejected makeshift memorials outside the mine site; and, in at least one case, required a worker to go on shift even though the fate of a relative — one of the victims of the April 5 disaster — remained unknown at the time.” The alleged intimidation has resulted in a “culture of fear” in Montcoal, as miners and families struggle to balance grief with livelihood.
Massey has a history of safety violations, making it obvious that the Virginia-based coal giant puts profits well ahead of worker safety or even family grief following a major accident. In 2006, two miners died after Massey owner Don Blankenship personally waived company policy, telling miners to ignore regulations in order to maximize coal output, says Think Progress. In the last year alone, the company has been fined $382,000 for repeated safety violations involving ventilation and unsafe equipment at Performance Coal Co. mines.
Don Blankenship has always been outspoken and very un-shy in bandying about harsh words against environmentalists and investigative news media. He was even caught on tape once threatening to shoot and then assaulting an ABC reporter. He has also been tied to political corruption, allegedly paying millions to influence judiciary appointments and state legislative races.
If the Upper Big Branch mine disaster and resulting intimidation of employees is any indication — and it is — Blankenship and Massey Energy have not changed their tune. This latest coal tragedy paired with this week’s oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico present an eerie, ill- and oddly-timed omen for fossil fuels as the world celebrates the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. They are tragic ammunition for the fight to switch our dependence from the dirty and dangerous to the clean and renewable.
Photo Credit: Daily Mail
Posted on April 26th in Solar News by Dan.