Justice Department Sues Coal Companies Owned by West Virginia Governor's Family, Seeking $7.6 Million in Unpaid Penalties

The Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit against coal companies owned by West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice's son and family, alleging over 130 violations of federal mining laws from 2018 to 2022 and seeking $7.6 million in unpaid penalties.
The companies repeatedly failed to comply with orders to fix issues threatening health, safety and the environment according to the DOJ.
Gov. Justice accused the Biden administration of retaliation due to his announced Senate campaign.
The governor's fortune has declined significantly in recent years as the coal industry struggled.
The violations include failure to properly maintain a dam, control slope erosion, clear roads after rock falls and dispose of waste.