In the article “Biden visit stirs pro, con sentiments among Westmoreland residents”, a man was quoted as saying he supports President Trump “trying to cut back on regulations.” I propose that regulations are often necessary. We, the common folk, need government oversight of industry to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink and the conditions we work in, just to name a few things we as individuals often have no control over.

For example, a few pages later, in the article “Ex-coal CEO files for black lung benefits,” I read that for years, former coal company CEO Robert Murray fought mine safety regulations to cut coal dust in mines which would have decreased the incidence of black lung, saying “they were too costly to the industry.” Through research, I learned that according to court filings in December 2019, Murray paid himself a $14 million bonus — but the company couldn’t afford the updated safety measures to better protect miners from black lung! Ironically, Murray is now filing for black lung compensation.

Another example: Saying that it was “too difficult” for companies, the current administration repealed stream protection regulations that prevented coal companies from dumping mining waste in waterways — waste that contains toxic heavy metals. Does this help coal miners? The coal company can save money by polluting the water that makes miners, their families and residents of nearby towns ill.

When a company says regulations are burdensome, that often means they don’t want to comply with air, water and health regulations that protect you and me.

Vickie Oles

Ligonier Township

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