Coal Mine Safety and America's Energy Future

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Crandall Canyon coal mine officials in Utah say it's now "likely" that six trapped miners may not be found alive. Three rescuers have already died trying, but families of victims are angry at coal operators, the federal Mining Safety and Health Administration and Utah's Intermountain Power Agency, accusing them of giving up too soon. Was Crandall Canyon's operation too dangerous from the beginning? Has the Bush Administration traded safety enforcement for "compliance?" With coal now supplying 50% of electricity in the United States, what role will it play in America's energy future? 

Credits

Guests:

  • Bruce Watzman - Vice President for Health and Safety at the National Mining Association
  • Davitt McAteer - Former Chief of the Mine Safety and Health Administration
  • Jeff Goodell - author of “The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet”

Host:

Warren Olney