by Robert Browman
http://thecoalwar.com

Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship. (Public Domain)

On April 5, 2010, an explosion at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch coal mine in West Virginia killed 29 miners. The incident was the worst coal mining disaster in the United States in forty years.

In the aftermath of the accident, much of the criticism of the company has focused on Massey’s CEO, Don Blankenship.

Opponents have long characterized the 60-year old Blankenship as an unscrupulous coal baron who flouts the law, buys political favor and sacrifices miner and public safety for the sake of profit. In the wake of the Upper Big Branch tragedy, investors and politicians are taking a hard look at Blankenship as well.

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who is responsible for the New York State Common Retirement Fund, which holds $14.1 million worth of Massey stock, has called for Blankenship’s resignation. “Massey's cavalier attitude toward risk and callous disregard for the safety of its employees has exacted a horrible cost on dozens of hard-working miners and their loved ones," DiNapoli said.

Blankenship is no stranger to controversy. He is active in West Virginia politics, often employing tactics that ride on the edge of commonly acceptable business practices.