CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Former coal CEO Robert E. Murray, who has fought federal regulations on the industry, has filed an application with the U.S.
Department of Labor for black lung benefits, according to a published report. West Virginia Public Broadcasting and Ohio Valley ReSource report the former head of Murray Energy said on the form that he is still board chairman of the company but can no longer serve as president and CEO due to his health.
Murray has fought federal mine safety regulations for years. His company filed an unsuccessful lawsuit in 2014 over regulations to cut the amount of coal dust in coal mines to reduce the incidence of black lung disease, saying they were overly burdensome and costly to the industry.In the black lung.