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"Author Explains History Behind Tunnel Disaster"

An author tells the story of the Hawks Nest, WV, hydroelectric tunnel, whose drilling Union Carbide began in 1927. It was run as a mining operation, but not regulated by any government agency. Of the 5,000 men who worked on the tunnel over 18 months, at least 764 men, mostly African-American migrant workers, died of the industrial disease silicosis, well known even then. Managers wore protective masks during inspection visits, but did not provide any to workers. The company hired doctors to tell the men it was their fault, and buried them in unmarked mass graves. West Virginia kept the story out of the state's history curriculum until last year.

Source: Beckley Register-Herald, 03/07/2011

"House Oversight Democrats Bait GOP Over Troubled Oil-Lease Program"

Some House Democrats, citing a GAO report, say Republicans should start their efforts to reduce the deficit by collecting the money legally owed the Treasury by oil and gas companies who profit from taxpayer-owned resources they extract. For decades, oil companies have been underpaying.

Source: Greenwire, 03/04/2011

"DOE Approves $102 Million Loan Aid For Maine Wind Farm"

"The Department of Energy said on Thursday it has offered a conditional $102 million loan guarantee to support a wind farm in Maine. The financial aid will support the Record Hill wind project, a 50.1 megawatt wind power plant and transmission line in Maine."

Source: Reuters, 03/04/2011

"Federal Jury in Utah Convicts Environmentalist" -- Movement Galvanized

"Environmental activist Tim DeChristopher knew what he was doing when he made $1.8 million in false oil and gas drilling bids at a federal auction. He knew he couldn't possibly pay for them. And he knew he could end up behind bars. But he did it for the cause. On Thursday, a federal jury convicted him on two felony counts of interfering with and making false representations at a government auction."

Source: AP, 03/04/2011

"Pressure Limits Efforts to Police Drilling for Gas"

Past efforts to regulate toxic and polluting waste from oil and gas drilling operations were thwarted when back-room industry pressure subverted the law and science that justified it. Today, history may be about to repeat itself.

Source: Grist, 03/04/2011

"Report Details MSHA Lapses Prior To Disaster"

"Federal mine safety regulators quietly warned lawmakers just two weeks before the Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster about serious enforcement lapses, including incomplete inspections and inadequate enforcement actions, according to a previously unpublished report to Congress."

Source: Charleston Gazette, 03/04/2011

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