One to watch

El Cabrero's ears picked up Friday when I heard NPR report on a federal criminal investigation of Massey Energy. Apparently the FBI has been talking both to Massey workers and to MSHA employees.

It does seem rather unusual for something like this to happen so soon after the disaster, although the investigation could well have begun with company activities prior to the Upper Big Branch disaster.

Here are takes on it from The Charleston Gazette, the New York Times and the LA Times.

The NPR report also suggests that the investigation also includes the possible bribery of mine safety officials, although other sources have not emphasized that angle.

I don't know where that will go, but I don't think it's unusual for people from the agency to retire and go to work for much higher pay in the industry, which may compromise the toughness of enforcement.