Senators to subpoena Crandall Canyon Mine co-owner
Murray will have to testify about events that killed 9
Murray was invited to testify before a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing held Sept. 5, but he did not appear. His company, Murray Energy, said he was still dealing with the immediate aftermath of the rescue effort.
The Aug. 6 mine collapse trapped six miners, and their bodies were never recovered. Three rescuers died trying to reach them.
The subcommittee at the September hearing listened to Mine Safety and Health Administration head Richard Stickler; J. Davitt McAteer, a former MSHA head who is now a vice president at Wheeling Jesuit University; and Cecil Roberts, international president of the United Mine Workers of America, among other experts. But the subcommittee still has not heard from Murray.
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services voted earlier this month to authorize a subpoena for Murray. Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., the subcommittee's top Republican, said the subcommittee needs to "compel him" to appear.
"We need to have his testimony as to what happened in the mine resulting in so many deaths, and we need to take a look at the enforcement by the Mine Safety and Health Administration and to determine whether additional legislation is necessary," Specter said in an electronic newsletter to his constituents.
A spokeswoman for Murray Energy said in a statement Wednesday that the company had not yet received a subpoena.
"We are not aware of any subpoena having been issued," the statement said. "We remain committed to a fair inquiry and continue to cooperate with the appropriate authorities."
E-mail: suzanne@desnews.com
Recent comments
Bob's used to throwing his money around to get his own way. He's…
PA Miner | Oct. 19, 2007 at 9:15 a.m.
Bob and weave, twist and shout is all you will get of Bob.
Dodger | Oct. 18, 2007 at 12:50 p.m.
A little song, and a whole lot of sunshine on your backside is all…
TJ | Oct. 18, 2007 at 12:48 p.m.
