"CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Sen. Robert C. Byrd on Wednesday blasted Massey Energy for what he called 'disregard for human life and safety,' following the company's refusal to help fund a new school so Marsh Fork Elementary students could move away from a Massy coal processing plant and slurry impoundment.

'Such arrogance suggests a blatant disregard for the impact of their mining practices on our communities, residents and particularly our children,' Byrd said in a statement. 'These are children's lives we are talking about.'

Byrd issued his harshly worded statement in response to news reports that Massey would not consider a request from the Raleigh County Board of Education to help finance relocation of Marsh Fork Elementary."

Ken Ward Jr. reports for the Charleston Gazette October 7, 2009. [2]