David Zatezalo

David George Zatezalo (born June 7, 1955) is an American coal industry executive who served as the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health in President Donald Trump's administration, where he headed the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

From 2007 to 2014, Zatezalo was chairman of the coal company Rhino Resources. Rhino Resources clashed with federal regulators when the Obama administration tried to boost industry-wide mine safety enforcement.

Mine Safety and Health Administration In September 2017, Zatezalo was nominated by President Donald Trump to become the next head of the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Robert E. Murray urged him to come out of retirement to take the role.

Zatezalo's nomination was received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on September 5, 2017. Ahead of his confirmation hearings, Democrats asked for details of the warnings at the Eagle #1 mine. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) said he would oppose Zatezalo's nomination. Zatezalo's confirmation hearing was October 4, 2017. The committee voted 12–11 in favor of advancing his nomination. Zatezalo's nomination was secured by a 52–46 vote on November 15.

Under Zatezalo, the MSHA indicated it would reexamine standards for rock and coal dust and diesel emissions in mines. In December 2017, the agency asked for public comment on procedures that would be less burdensome on the industry.