Latest In

Breaking News

Mining Investigation Will Likely Be Closed to Public, Open to Massey

White House officials today will begin their investigation of the horrific explosion that killed 29 miners in southern West Virginia a week ago. But, as in

Jul 31, 2020
1.1M Shares
15.7M Views
White House officials today will begin their investigation of the horrific explosionthat killed 29 miners in southern West Virginia a week ago. But, as in similar cases in the past, most of this process will almost certainly be closed to the public, even as Massey lawyers — who will likely be representing a number of the miners interviewed by investigators — are allowed to sit it on the proceedings. The Charleston Gazette’s Ken Ward Jr. wonders todaywhy this process isn’t more transparent.
All of the secrecy might make sense, if MSHA and state officials didn’t almost always allow coal company lawyers to sit in on the interviews. The only good argument for secrecy in these interviews is that allowing openness tips off the company to the direction investigators are headed, allowing them to thwart things like potential criminal prosecution down the road.
But if the company lawyers are in the room, well, what’s the point of the secrecy?
Good question. Still waiting for the Obama administration’s answer.
Paolo Reyna

Paolo Reyna

Reviewer
Paolo Reyna is a writer and storyteller with a wide range of interests. He graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies. Paolo enjoys writing about celebrity culture, gaming, visual arts, and events. He has a keen eye for trends in popular culture and an enthusiasm for exploring new ideas. Paolo's writing aims to inform and entertain while providing fresh perspectives on the topics that interest him most. In his free time, he loves to travel, watch films, read books, and socialize with friends.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles