Coal Country's Safety Worries

In the heart of coal country, there's a growing unease. The Department of Government Efficiency has its sights set on trimming costs, and that includes shutting down several offices of the Mine Safety and Health Administration. This move has raised eyebrows, especially among those who remember the Upper Big Branch mine disaster in 2010, where 29 miners lost their lives. The MSHA is the watchdog that ensures mines follow safety rules, and its offices are the eyes and ears on the ground. Retired miner Stanley "Goose" Stewart is one of those who's not happy about the closures. He thinks it's a risky move that could give coal companies too much freedom. Stewart was at Upper Big Branch when it exploded. He saw firsthand how important safety checks are. After the disaster, he left mining behind, focusing on his hobbies and garden. But he's still got strong opinions about the industry's future. The politics of coal mining have been a rollercoaster. Republicans have been pushing for less regulation, while Democrats like Hillary Clinton have faced backlash for talking about moving away from coal. Trump promised to boost the industry, but mining jobs haven't bounced back. Meanwhile, some lawmakers argue that state inspectors can handle safety, but others aren't so sure. Tom Clark, a West Virginia state lawmaker and former MSHA inspector, thinks the closures won't be a big deal as long as inspectors are moved to other offices. He supports the idea of streamlining government, even if it means some short-term pain. But Stewart disagrees. He thinks the closures will put miners at risk and wonders why so many in coal country still support Trump, given his track record. The MSHA was created to keep miners safe, especially after state inspectors were seen as too cozy with the industry. The agency is supposed to inspect mines regularly, checking everything from ventilation to equipment safety. But with the proposed cuts, inspectors might have to travel farther, leading to less thorough checks. That's a concern for miners like Robert Cash, who worries about response times in case of an emergency. The Upper Big Branch disaster was a wake-up call. A spark from worn equipment ignited coal dust and gas, causing the explosion. Afterward, MSHA stepped up inspections, but those extra checks have stopped under the current administration. With the proposed cuts, some fear that miners' safety could be at risk again. The coal industry has a long history of conflict, from the West Virginia Mine Wars to the decline of union power. Today, most U. S. coal mines are nonunion, and workers' safety is a big concern. The United Mine Workers union warns that without federal protections, workers could be in danger.