The new owners of the Upper Big Branch coal mine -- where a deadly explosion last year spurred a renewed push for mine safety measures and with it pressure from some congressional Democrats to roll sweeping OSHA reform into the same legislative package -- signaled they are willing to work with lawmakers on a mine safety measure, but apparently stopped short of endorsing any specific changes proposed on Capitol Hill. Alpha Natural Resources Inc., which recently took over Massey Energy, the previous Upper Big Branch owner, responded to a letter from Reps. George Miller (CA) and Lynn Woolsey (CA)
December 30, 2025