JULIAN — Massey Energy Company (NYSE: MEE) responded today to comments made by UMWA President Cecil Roberts and UMWA member Jeff Harris during Tuesday’s Senate hearings.

The company called statements by Cecil Roberts “outrageous.”

“He obviously believes he can use the UBB mine tragedy to promote his agenda.” a release stated. “Most miners in America — including at UBB — have repeatedly rejected Mr. Robert’s agenda.”

The comnay also claims Harris is part of the UMWA team that Cecil Roberts has assembled in response to the UBB tragedy.

“Mr. Harris worked for a Massey Energy subsidiary for a short period of time. We find his statements difficult to believe and do not believe he raised any such concerns while in our employment,” the release continued. “The picture he paints is not representative of Massey’s mines and Massey does not tolerate such conditions. Both federal law and Massey policies protect miners who speak out about safety concerns.”

“These miners would not work in the climate alleged by Mr. Harris,” The release said. “Mr. Roberts and Mr. Harris insult these miners when they suggest otherwise.”