This news story originally provided by The Daily Press

July 25, 2005

Massey trumpets 'total environment' record in anti-protester ads

By ERIK SCHELZIG
AP Business Writer

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Massey Energy Co. has launched an advertising campaign to challenge the claims of protesters who have spent the summer speaking out against the company's coal mining operations.

In the ads, the state's largest coal miner emphasizes its commitment to what it calls the "total environment" in West Virginia.

"People need good-paying jobs, funded pension plans, life-saving health care and quality schools," according to the voice-over. "Massey Energy helps provide all those things to thousands of local families.

"The needs of people: That's what protesters against coal forget."

Marsh Fork Elementary school in Sundial has become a focal point of protests by Coal River Mountain Watch and Mountain Justice Summer, who say dust from a coal preparation plant enters the school, causing asthma and respiratory problems. The coal is mined from a nearby mountaintop-removal site, a practice condemned by the protesters.

Earlier this month, the state Department of Environmental Protection suspended Richmond, Va.-based Massey's permit for a new coal silo near the school after finding the foundation may lie outside of a preapproved perimeter.

The protesters celebrated the suspension of the silo permit as an indication that state officials are taking note of what they see as Massey's deceptive practices.

Massey has responded that coal silos at preparation plants _ where rock is removed from coal--are the best way to control excess dust, and that discrepancies between old and new maps supplied to the DEP may be due to technological changes over the years.

Spokeswoman Katharine Kenny has said the company remains confident that "nothing improper was done by Massey."

While Massey Chairman and CEO Don Blankenship's name is not read out loud in the ads, it does appear in print at the bottom of the final frame.

Blankenship has emphasized Massey's fully-funded pension program and the company has announced the construction of a primary-care medical center and special home and car insurance programs for employees. Massey also makes financial contributions to state schools including Marsh Fork, according to the company.

"Massey Energy: Doing the right thing with energy to improve our total environment," the ad concludes. "Because we live here, too."

On the Net:

Massey Energy: http://www.masseyenergyco.com

Coal River Mountain Watch: http://webpages.charter.net/crmw 

Mountain Justice Summer: http://www.mountainjusticesummer.org