Summary of Coal: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

00:00:00 - 00:20:00

In the video, John Oliver discusses the dangers of coal mining and the Trump administration's efforts to revive the industry. He interviews a coal miner and discusses the difficult choices that miners face when their jobs are lost. He also mentions how, recently, one of the coal company's top lawyers was forced to resign after suing the New York Times for libel.

• 00:00:00 In his latest video, John Oliver takes a look at the dangers of coal mining and the Trump administration's efforts to revive the industry. While the job numbers are inaccurate, Oliver points out that coal miners have a high wage and are difficult to replace.
• 00:05:00 John Oliver discusses the decline in coal mining jobs in the U.S., highlighting the effects of automation and alternative energy on the industry. He interviews a coal miner and discusses the difficult choices that miners face when their jobs are lost.
• 00:10:00 In the video, John Oliver discusses how coal companies use tactics to protect themselves from safety regulations, including lawsuits and letters to journalists warning of legal action if they publish unfavorable reports. He also mentions how, recently, one of the coal company's top lawyers was forced to resign after suing the New York Times for libel.
• 00:15:00 John Oliver discusses the dangers of coal mining, focusing on Bob Murray, the CEO of Murray Energy. The host interviews miners who have spoken out against Murray, alleging that he is abusive and does not care about the safety of his employees. Murray unsuccessfully attempted to block a rule meant to reduce miners' exposure to coal dust, which causes black lung disease. In response to the collapse of a mine in Utah, Murray held a bizarre press conference in which he made false claims about the cause of the accident.
• 00:20:00 John Oliver points out that while coal mining jobs may be coming back in the short-term, they are likely to decline in the long-term due to automation. He also discusses the difficulty of having an honest conversation about coal and its miners with Bob Murray, a coal mining executive.