Manchin Picks McAteer to Investigate Mine Explosion

Gov. Joe Manchin tells The Associated Press that he has enlisted J. Davitt McAteer to conduct an independent investigation into last week's explosion that killed 29 men at the Upper Big Branch mine.

McAteer's review would parallel probes by federal and state mine safety officials, and he would also serve as a special adviser to the governor, Manchin told AP.

(Update) McAteer "headed the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration during the Clinton administration," AP explains. Now an official at Wheeling Jesuit University, he "also conducted similar independent probes of the Sago Mine disaster that left 12 dead as well as the Aracoma Alma No. 1 Mine fire that killed two miners," AP reports.

The governor "also called for more scrutiny of mines with a history of safety violations," the article said. "Manchin said he wanted state regulators to target problems involving methane gas and coal dust levels, poor ventilation and electrical issues," and " wanted to review state law to make sure West Virginia officials are able to shut down unsafe mines and order immediate fixes without any delays."