"Coal is still the dominant fuel in power generation, accounting for an estimated 47 percent of electricity this year....
--more--"
Related: Where Coal is King
Right here in the good old U.S. of A!
And yet here is government and industry pointing fingers while sleeping with each other.
"Excessive coal dust found at mine, agency says; Report issued on W. Va. blast that killed 29" by Tim Huberap, Associated Press | September 18, 2010
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More than 1,400 samples collected inside West Virginia’s Upper Big Branch mine show excessive amounts of coal dust were present before an explosion killed 29 miners in April, a federal official said yesterday.
A majority of the samples came from areas affected by the explosion, but show only that coal dust played a role in the blast, Mine Safety and Health Administration official Kevin Stricklin said during a conference call with reporters.
“It’s going to be fair to say that coal dust played a role,’’ Stricklin said. “We just aren’t in a position to say how big of a role.’’
The findings bolster the agency’s preliminary findings issued 10 days after the explosion that a mix of methane and coal dust was responsible for the blast. Federal law requires coal mines to coat coal dust with pulverized stone or other inert material to prevent and contain explosions.
The explosion was the deadliest at a US coal mine since 1970 and is now the subject of civil and criminal investigations.
Mine owner Massey Energy Co. criticized the mine safety agency for releasing the test results.
“This is not the first time MSHA has attempted to use unproven or faulty coal dust claims in their investigation efforts,’’ the Richmond, Va.-based company said in a statement. A federal administrative law judge rejected citations the agency issued for rock dust violations after a deadly explosion at an Alabama coal mine in 2001....
Yes, isn't it a shame that you can not trust either of them?
Following the investigation, the agency may cite Massey for violations that investigators determine contributed to the explosion and deaths. The agency also could fine the company. The criminal investigation is being handled separately by the US Department of Justice.
The latest update came a day after Massey warned investors to brace for another quarterly loss, complaining that tougher enforcement was hurting productivity.--more--"
Related: Obama Administration Covered in Soot
Also see: Around AmeriKa: MSM Minding the Mines of West Virginia
Coal Miner's Slaughter
Around AmeriKa: Son of Coal Miner's Slaughter
So who can you trust, readers?
"Miners’ notes warned of explosive dust" by Associated Press | September 13, 2010
JULIAN, W.Va. — Several places in a West Virginia mine needed a coating of pulverized stone to cover explosive coal dust shortly before an explosion killed 29 miners in April, according to copies of handwritten logs obtained by the Associated Press.
The logs portray Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch mine as a troubled operation that routinely had dangerous coatings of coal dust — the raw material for a deadly blast. The problem persisted on April 5, the day of the worst US coal mine explosion in 40 years....
--more--"Time to get your hands dirty:
"DIGGING IN -- Hundreds of coal miners and supporters rallied on Capitol Hill yesterday against the administration's bid to rein in mountaintop mining. "This administration is trying to shut down coal and fire for all of you," charged Representative Hal Rogers, a Kentucky Republican. In mountaintop removal, forests are clear-cut, explosives blast apart the rock, and machines scoop out the exposed coal. Coal operators say it is efficient; opponents say it defaces the site (Boston Globe September 16 2010)."
Related: Obama Caps Off the Betrayals
What in the world are they complaining about then?
Also see: I've Been to the Mountaintop
Tennessee Geiger Counter Clicking Over Coal Spill
Is their a lake near you?
