WASHINGTON, D.C. –(ENEWSPF)–December 1, 2016. President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, bought coal mines from bankrupt Horizon Natural Resources. Among these mines was the Sago Mine, where a dozen miners died after an explosion on January 2, 2006. Five years later, Ross sold the mine along with others to Arch Coal for $3.4 billion in his sale of International Coal Group.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
“Wilbur Ross’ long record of disregard for the health, safety, and well-being of workers at his companies should instantly disqualify him from being in the building that houses the Commerce Department, let alone from leading it. Ross laid off hundreds of workers, shipped American jobs overseas, and owned a coal mine so dangerous that it killed a dozen people. Is that really the kind of example Donald Trump wants out of his Secretary of Commerce?
“We all deserve to breathe clean air and drink clean water. Unfortunately, Ross’s dirty business deals and exploitation of trade practices shows he’s not putting the health of our communities or our families anywhere near the top of his agenda. Our nation can’t afford to have someone who has proven to be an enemy of working families and a friend of the fossil fuel industry in charge of promoting America’s economic growth.
“This appointment is the latest in a string of reckless, backward appointments by President-elect Donald Trump, and we call on any Senator who wants to stand up for her or his constituents to oppose this appointment.”
Source: http://sierraclub.org
