Bush Reappoints Mine Safety Chief Who Bungled Crandall Canyon Disaster

The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) came under severe criticism for its mismanagement of August's Crandall Canyon mine collapse in Utah. Nine men died, including six trapped after the initial cave-in and three rescue workers. Many safety experts questioned why the MSHA allowed "anyone, including rescuers, into the still-dangerous mine."

Overseeing the effort as head of MSHA was Richard Stickler, a former Murray Beth Energy executive. The Senate had twice rejected his nomination because the mines he managed "incurred injury rates double the national average." Stickler had also stated that he believed no new laws or regulations were needed for mine safety.

Stickler's term as assistant secretary expired on Dec. 31. His bio was quickly removed from the MSHA website earlier this week, and on Thursday, MSHA officials revealed that they had a new chief:

[O]n Thursday, MSHA officials revealed that agency staffer John Pallasch had been named to Stickler's job -- assistant labor secretary for mine safety and health -- on an acting basis. Pallasch took over on Jan. 1. [...]

But it's not clear how long Pallasch will be running the $340 million agency or if President Bush plans to submit a different nominee to Congress.

The President intends to designate Richard Stickler, of West Virginia, to be Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health.