A shameless ex-CEO
Blankenship shows no humility for coal disaster
Don Blankenship, the former Massey Energy CEO recently released from a year’s imprisonment for conspiracy to violate mine safety standards, wasn’t chastened by the experience.
Instead, he issued a series of tweets about being made the scapegoat for the tragedy and blamed regulators or witnesses — “which one is it?” he asked — for lying about what happened there. Mr. Massey had the means to mount a robust defense. If he’s unable to accept the jury’s verdict, that’s his problem.
Many people convicted of whitecollar crimes leave prison humbled. Not Blankenship, who seems to have no concern for anyone but himself despite his professed interest in mine safety. Particularly disheartening is his criticism of the Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act, which would impose tougher penalties on coal executives who violate safety laws, plus provide stronger protection for those who report safety violations, require that miners be trained in their rights under the act and give subpoena power to mine accident investigators.
The legislation, named for the late Democratic senator from West Virginia, first was proposed in 2010. It has traditionally lacked support among Republicans. Sponsors of the current version — introduced on April 5, the seventh anniversary of the Upper Big Branch disaster — include Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Lackawanna County. In a joint statement, the sponsors called the explosion “a direct result of corporate management consistently putting profits and coal production ahead of the safety of the miners who worked there.”
Blankenship has sent President Donald Trump a letter urging him to oppose tougher criminal sanctions for coal executives and to consider restructuring the Mine Safety and Health Administration, which he has battled. He has also asked for a new investigation into the Upper Big Branch disaster, saying the truth hasn’t come out and that mine safety cannot be improved until it does.
“Coal supervisors are not criminals, and the laws they work under today are already frightening enough for them,” he wrote. “More onerous criminal laws will not improve mine safety.”
Mr. Trump won support among some coal miners for his pledge to help bring a renewed vitality to the coal industry. While Americans may disagree on the extent to which that is possible or desirable, enhanced safety should be part of any effort to reinvigorate the industry.
The Mine Safety Protection Act is a complex piece of legislation and not every part of it may be needed. But the key provisions, including tougher sanctions on mine operators who violate safety laws and protection for miners who stand up and challenge them, are eminently reasonable. Stronger safety measures and more accountability would be a fitting tribute to the 29 men who died at Upper Big Branch.