In Charleston, West Virginia, there’s a growing concern among former coal miners and community members regarding the current state of the mining industry and the safeguarding measures meant to protect workers. Stanley “Goose” Stewart, a retired coal miner, has openly expressed doubts about the safety of working in mining today. He criticizes the recent moves by the Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk, under President Donald Trump. This department has embarked on cost-cutting measures that include plans to close approximately three dozen offices of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), an agency integral to mining safety regulations. Stewart considers these proposals to be counterproductive, potentially empowering coal companies to neglect safety standards.
Memories are still vivid of the devastating Upper Big Branch mine explosion in southern West Virginia, which occurred 15 years ago, killing 29 miners. Stewart, who was present at the time, eventually chose to leave mining behind, devoting himself to hobbies such as hunting, fishing, and gardening. The political landscape in West Virginia shifted considerably in the years following this tragedy, largely favoring Republicans. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton faced backlash for suggesting that a transition away from coal might lead to job losses in the industry. In contrast, Trump promised to salvage it, though a significant rebound in mining jobs did not materialize. Nonetheless, West Virginia has solidified its role as a Republican bastion.
There are ongoing debates about whether state governments are equipped to ensure mine safety. While some West Virginia legislators argue for reduced state-level inspector roles, citing federal oversight as a reason, dwindling mining operations and fatalities are also highlighted. Tom Clark, a Republican state lawmaker and former MSHA inspector, acknowledges that many industry changes were long overdue and believes government downsizing could ultimately benefit the economy. However, he insists inspections must continue and black lung benefits remain funded.
Concerns persist about the impact of MSHA office closures on safety, with Stewart urging caution. Despite his personal criticisms of Trump, he remains bewildered by the persistent support for the president among West Virginians, particularly fellow miners. Stewart asserts that such trust is misplaced and hopes for a broader realization of this.
MSHA was established by Congress in 1978 to ensure rigorous safety inspections of mines. Unlike state inspectors who were perceived to be too close to the mining industry, MSHA’s mandate includes quarterly underground mine inspections and biannual checks for surface mines. Their inspections cover vital safety checks, including electrical systems and ventilation.
Over the years, advancements in safety have led to a significant decrease in mining fatalities, largely attributed to a decline in coal production. Critics of the proposed budget cuts argue that diminishing the availability of inspectors could compromise this progress. Jack Spadaro, a former MSHA safety investigator, strongly asserts that reducing inspector presence could result in superficial inspections and voiced his dissatisfaction with the proposed changes.
Robert Cash, another miner, expressed his unease over the potential safety implications of these closures, particularly when it comes to timely disaster response. Concerns are compounded by memories of events like the Upper Big Branch incident, where systemic failures led to a deadly explosion.
In the aftermath of the mine disaster, MSHA began conducting more thorough inspections at problematic mines. However, these efforts, particularly prevalent in West Virginia and Kentucky, ceased under the Trump administration. Joe Main, who served as MSHA chief during the Obama era, warns that decreased enforcement capacity could pose risks to miners. The closures have even sparked fears of undermining worker safety in the broader mining community.
Dr. Carl Werntz, who assesses miners for black lung disease, notes the potential danger of deprioritizing worker protection, suggesting it reduces miners to a state of vulnerability. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has voiced dissatisfaction with the lack of communication over MSHA office closures, expressing skepticism about Elon Musk’s intentions concerning government reform.
The coal industry’s struggle with safety and labor rights dates back over a century and continues to bear significant challenges. Historically, the tension between miners seeking fair conditions and coal companies concerned primarily with profits has led to conflicts such as the West Virginia Mine Wars. Despite the past dominance of unions like the United Mine Workers (UMW), their influence has significantly waned. UMW President Cecil Roberts warns that dismantling federal protections and union oversight could leave worker safety reliant on company practices alone, historically a recipe for disaster in mining.