Associated Press Published

Rockefeller, Manchin eyeing CONSOL mine sale, Murray safety

Senator Jay Rockefeller (left) and Senator Joe Manchin (right)

West Virginia’s two U.S. senators say they’ll be watching closely to see how Ohio-based Murray Energy treats safety and the workforce of the five CONSOL Energy mines it’s buying.
 
     Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller have requested a meeting with Murray Energy to discuss the transition.
 
     The companies announced the deal Monday for the sale of the Blacksville No. 2, Loveridge, McElroy, Robinson Run and Shoemaker mines.
 
     Pennsylvania-based CONSOL said it wants to shift resources to natural gas development.
 
     Manchin says CONSOL is an industry leader in mine safety, and he hopes Murray Energy will also put miners first.
 
     Rockefeller says Murray Energy must make protecting workers and retirees a priority.
 
     Murray Energy says it operates safe mines but cannot yet comment on its plans for the workforce.