Yellow Dog

No, Bush didn't cause the explosion that collapsed the mine in West Virginia, but just like with Hurricane Katrina, he didn't have the necessary regulations in place that would have prevented it and, in fact, was working actively to suspend safety regulations.

According to this NYT report, the Bush administration has worked hard to downgrade safety standards and put industry insiders in charge of regulations.

Safety and environmental regulations often shift with control of the White House, but the Bush administration's approach to coal mining has been a particularly potent example of the blend of politics and policy.

In addition to Mr. Lauriski, who spent 30 years in the coal industry, Mr. Bush tapped a handful of other industry executives and lobbyists to help oversee safety and environmental regulations.

In all, the mine safety agency has rescinded more than a half-dozen proposals intended to make coal miners' jobs safer, including steps to limit miners' exposure to toxic chemicals. One rule pushed by the agency would make it easier for companies to use diesel generators underground, which miners say could increase the risk of fire.

Over the last six years, coal companies have donated $9 million to federal political candidates and party organizations, and 90 percent has gone to Republicans, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

MyDD :: How Bush Failed the Sago 13