Coal baron and climate change denier Murray dies at 80
U.S. coal baron Robert Murray, an ally of President Donald Trump and a leading industry voice who called global warming a hoax, died on Sunday at the age of 80.
Described as colorful and outspoken, the leader of Murray Energy long blamed environmental regulation for the decline of the coal business.
West Virginia public radio reported Murray retired earlier this month after 63 years in the industry, 16 of them as an underground coal miner.
The NPR affiliate said his retirement came after he filed a claim with the U.S. Department of Labor seeking federal benefits to treat black lung disease.
The disorder is caused by prologued exposure to coal dust.
Murray was long a supporter of Republican Party politics and opposed more stringent coal dust regulation.
U.S. coal production has declined for years, largely due to the rise of relatively cheap natural gas.
Murray Energy filed for bankruptcy protection last year and re-emerged as American Consolidated Natural Resources, which bills itself as the largest underground coal mining company in the United States.
While Murray applied for black lung benefits, Murray Energy's bankruptcy enabled the company to avoid obligations to employees diagnosed with the same disorder.
According to Labor Department estimates provided to Congress, Murray Energy shifted its $74.4 million liability to the federal government's Black Lung Disability Trust Fund.
A family spokesperson told WTOV television Murray died at his home in St. Clairsville, Ohio, surrounded by family.
