Black Death

I've been spending some of my morning posting recent stories on my facebook page regarding the Upper Big Branch Mine tragedy. Again, a West Virginia coal-mining "accident" has made national headlines as families of the miners and other West Virginians begin to mourn their fallen brothers. And I feel safe calling them brothers, calling them family. While not from Coal Country (my home mountains are laced with sandstone, not black fuel), I feel a kinship with all West Virginians, so I mourn. And I am enraged.

The coal industry has long been the backbone of West Virginia's economy. Countless jobs and individuals are dependent on the giants, like Massey Energy. I understand that. I know that until alternative energy sources are researched that coal keeps my lights turned on, keeps my laptop running. For now, coal is necessary.

What is not necessary is neglect. Neglect that comes at the cost of lives, at least 25 in the past 24 hours. Four years ago, Sago had us in an uproar. Mismanaged public appearances (our esteemed Governor Manchin claiming all was well when just the opposite was true), repackaged PR campaigns, supposed renewed regulation vigor have come up short. Again.

In December 2007, Joe Manchin takes to federal court to defend Massey Energy (among others) when federal regulations threatened to lessen "productivity."


Understory, the Rainforest Action Network's official blog, reported on the proceedings:

Let me say that again, Joe Manchin came out against federal regulations that would prevent companies like Massey Energy from dumping waste rock and dirt into WV rivers and streams.

As did the WV State Journal: their take on the same story:

Coal company executives have said repeatedly the federal rulings would curtail coal production in southern West Virginia -- production that generates hundreds of jobs, tens of millions of dollars each year in payroll and millions in severance taxes and sales taxes.

and

The Manchin administration correctly argued that West Virginia mining operators have been producing coal under the existing statutes for decades. It points out that West Virginia operators are forced to meet tougher federal standards than operators in other states, and those barriers are certain to cut into production.

Obviously, each source has its slant. Though, it's clear, from either story, that Governor Manchin opposed further regulation. Opposed.

25 dead. But at least productivity is stable.

Well, that was 2007. What do we know in 2010? National coverage of the story has birthed some disturbing statistics.

Moneynews report on most recent disaster:

Though the cause of the blast was not known, the operation run by Massey subsidiary Performance Coal Co. has a history of violations for not properly ventilating highly combustible methane gas, safety officials said.

AP report on Upper Big Branch Mine

In the past year, federal inspectors fined [Massey Energy] more than $382,000 for repeated serious violations involving its ventilation plan and equipment at Upper Big Branch.

A Forbes.com snippet reports that Massey Chief Executive John Blankenship has lost count of the number of times his company has been fined for failing to meet regulatory standards.

I found all of this in the past hour. Imagine what an in-depth analysis would unearth. I implore you, do your own research. Follow the links provided here, educate yourself.

Do something. Write, call, email, complain. Form a coalition, let your elected officials know you won't stand for this. Tell them you value life over productivity.

Find and contact your state legislator.
Send a message to Gov. Manchin
Send a message to Robert C. Byrd

Contact your national senator
Contact your national representative

Foster public awareness: email your local newspaper or the Charleston Gazette: gazette@wvgazette.com.