Blanchard Continues Testimony

With a key government witness on the stand, a former coal boss’ defense team continued to contend his company prioritized safety and disciplined people when they made mistakes. In Charleston federal court Tuesday, ex-Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship’s attorneys continued questioning former Massey subsidiary president Christopher Blanchard. Blanchard has testified since Thursday under an immunity agreement with the government. Blanchard continued to tell defense attorney William Taylor that he did not conspire with Blankenship to break safety laws. Taylor discussed dozens of citations, memos and other documents to say Massey was concerned about safety under Blankenship’s watch. Blanchard’s subsidiary oversaw the mine that exploded in 2010, killing 29 men.