Lauren Lantry, lauren.lantry@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This week, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will consider Marco Rajkovich Jr, a coal industry attorney, nomination to be the chairman of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. The commission provides administrative trial and appellate review of legal disputes arising under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act. If confirmed, Rajkovich would serve a term of six years.
Rajkovich was a partner at Rajkovich, Williams, Kilpatrick & True, a firm with a mining specialty that represented companies during the federal investigations into all three coal disasters that had more than five fatalities since 2006. On multiple occasions Rajkovich has defended coal companies against the commission he is set to join.
In response, Sierra Club Federal Lobbying and Advocacy Directory Melinda Pierce released the following statement:
"For 30 years, Marco Rajkovich Jr has been on the side of neglectful mining companies, representing those going before the very same commission he’s been nominated to lead for their often fatal mine safety disasters. Rajkovich’s writings and record of disregard for the health, safety, and well-being of miners alone should instantly disqualify him from leading the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. Our nation and our workers cannot afford to have someone who has proven to be an enemy of mine safety in charge of the commission to protect miner lives.
“This appointment is the latest in a string of reckless, fossil fuel industry favoring, backward appointments by Donald Trump, and we call on any Senator who wants to stand up for their constituents to oppose this appointment. The health, safety, and lives of miners are at stake.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.