Don Blankenship Archives - Environment+Energy Leader

Strong Opposition Forcing Trump Administration to Reconsider Rewriting Black Lung Rules

January 2, 2018February 13, 2018 by Ken Silverstein

After coming under sharp criticism for attempting to ease the rules to protect coal miners from black lung disease, the Trump administration is now asking for public comment on the issue. The issue pits worker safety concerns against coal company desires, and profits.

Blankenship Conviction Causes Concern for Coal and Other Dangerous Industries

October 11, 2017November 22, 2017 by Ken Silverstein

The United States Supreme Court will not hear an appeal from a convicted coal baron Don Blankenship, who served a year in prison for violating mine safety standards. Coal groups had expressed their concerns over zealous prosecutions for unforeseen workplace disasters.

US District Court Upholds Conviction of Mining Boss for Safety Violations

January 20, 2017January 20, 2017 by Ken Silverstein

A US District Court has upheld the conviction of a former coal mining chief executive for violating mine safety laws.

Workplace Safety Laws Take Centerstage in Presidential Race

August 8, 2016December 5, 2016 by Ken Silverstein

Workplace safety rules in the coal mining sector are coming up for air and are taking centerstage in the presidential race.

What is Criminal Behavior? Coal Groups Want to Know

July 8, 2016July 8, 2016 by Ken Silverstein

The Ohio, Illinois and West Virginia Coal Associations have filed amicus briefs asking the Fourth Circuit of Appeals to consider their views in support of Don Blankenship. While laying out their argument, the coal associations say explicitly that they do not wish to address the specifics of the former coal barons case; rather, they feel that criminal law has been

Workplace Safety Law Reforms Would Reach From the Trenches to the Highest Corporate Offices

April 25, 2016April 26, 2016 by Ken Silverstein

Workplace safety has always been atop the labor movement’s agenda. It is now becoming a priority for candidates seeking federal office, including the presidency. The high-profile prosecution of Don Blankenship is responsible for the renewed concerns, although it remains unlikely for now that labor laws will change. At issue here ... Read more »

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