Author:Brittany Patterson, Ohio Valley ReSource
Presidential Run By Ex-Massey Energy CEO A Factor In Competitive States
Former coal executive Don Blankenship, who went to prison for his role in the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster in West Virginia, drew about 55,000 votes Tuesday as a third-party candidate for president, including thousands of votes in closely contested states. While not a significant amount in comparison to the more than 140 million Americans […]
By Brittany Patterson, Ohio Valley ReSource
Brittany Patterson, Ohio Valley ReSource
Advocates Say Citizen Mining Complaint Process Weakened By Rule Change
Environmental and community advocates in Appalachian coal communities are concerned about a new federal rule, finalized this week, that is changing the process that allows citizens to file complaints about polluting coal mining operations. The Department of the Interior's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement said in a Tuesday press release that the changes […]
Ohio Valley Coal Mine Executive Bob Murray Dead at 80
Robert E. Murray, the founder and former president and CEO of Murray Energy Corp., formerly the largest privately-held underground coal company in the country, has died. He was 80 years old. Murray's death was reported Sunday evening by television stations WTOV9 in Steubenville, Ohio, and WOWK in Huntington, West Virginia. According to the news outlets, […]
Ohio Valley Coal Executive Bob Murray Dead at 80
From Appalachia To Wyoming: Youth From Coal Country Discuss The Future After Coal
On a recent Saturday, over Zoom, a group of seven high schoolers from Wyoming, eastern Kentucky and West Virginia gazed at an image of a gleaming, pale blue, coal-fired power plant. "OK, so this one really interested us," said Sarah Belcher, a senior from eastern Kentucky. "So we noticed your all's coal facilities, they're really […]
Bob Murray Announces Retirement From Coal Company He Founded
After applying for black lung benefits, Robert Murray, founder and former president of the now-bankrupt coal company Murray Energy Corp., announced Monday he was leaving the business after more than 60 years in the industry. Murray Energy emerged from bankruptcy protection last month as American Consolidated Natural Resources (ACNR). The 80-year-old Murray was named chairman […]
Bob Murray, Who Fought Black Lung Regulations As A Coal Operator, Has Filed For Black Lung Benefits
Robert E. Murray, the former CEO and president of the now-bankrupt Murray Energy, has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Labor for black lung benefits. For years, Murray and his company fought against federal mine safety regulations aimed at reducing the debilitating disease. "I founded the company and created 8,000 jobs there until […]
By Dave Mistich, West Virginia Public Broadcasting and Brittany Patterson, Ohio Valley ReSource
Dave Mistich, West Virginia Public Broadcasting and Brittany Patterson, Ohio Valley ReSource
Murray Energy Exits Bankruptcy, Rehires Union Miners
Coal mining giant Murray Energy has emerged from bankruptcy with a new name and a commitment to rehire all of its former union employees.
'The Proof Is In The Pudding:' Coal Country Responds To Democrats' Clean Energy Transition
As the 2020 election season heats up, groups are urging politicians to deliver on party promises as the energy transition accelerates.
Coal Country Responds To Democrats' Clean Energy Transition
Transparency, Environmental Concerns Surround Proposal To Barge Oil And Gas Waste On The Ohio River
Opponents of the projects fear the barges will eventually carry millions of gallons of briny fracking waste.
Concerns Surround Proposal To Barge Oil And Gas Waste On The Ohio River
Federal PAC Donations Show Ohio Valley Lawmakers Raked In Thousands From Utility FirstEnergy
FirstEnergy Corp. is the electric utility implicated in a recent $61 million bribery and racketeering scheme.
Ohio Valley Lawmakers Raked In Thousands From Utility FirstEnergy
Contura Energy Will Accelerate Exit From Thermal Coal Business, Citing Global Transition Away From Fossil Fuels
A major Ohio Valley coal producer announced last week it will speed up its exit from producing coal used to generate electricity.
Contura Energy Will Accelerate Exit From Thermal Coal Business
Toxic Legacy Comes To Light With Claims That Union Carbide Failed To Report Landfill
A lawsuit alleges Union Carbide has for decades knowingly leaked potentially toxic pollutants into a creek near Charleston, W.Va.
Toxic Legacy Revealed With Claims That Union Carbide Didn't Report Landfill
Power Failure: A Massive Bribery Scheme Could Change Ohio Valley Energy Systems
The scandal could impact energy policy in the Ohio Valley, especially as coal and nuclear power generators continue to struggle.
A Massive Bribery Scheme Could Change Ohio Valley Energy Systems
Plan To 'Reimagine Appalachia' Touts Jobs, Justice And Sustainability For The Ohio Valley
A coalition is offering a framework for how communities could reap the benefits of federal action to address climate change and COVID-19.
Plan To 'Reimagine Appalachia' Touts Jobs, Justice And Sustainability
Ohio Valley Coal Groups React To Biden's Clean Energy, Climate Plan
Joe Biden's plan is drawing praise from some economic transition organizations, but mixed reactions from union officials and industry groups.