President Biden has nominated Christopher Williamson for the position of Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health. The White House statement on the nominee states Mr. Williamson is a “native of the coalfields of southern West Virginia,” though he has no known mining experience.
Mr. Williamson graduated from law school approximately 11 years ago and upon graduation became a clerk to Administrative Law Judge Jacqueline R. Bulluck at the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. He worked as a junior political appointee to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for MSHA for one year. For the past 5 years he has worked at the National Labor Relations Board. He also worked for Senator Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) as a Legislative Assistant.
Mr. Williamson is backed by the United Mine Workers of America. He will likely be confirmed, but the timeline for a confirmation could prove to be several months.