COAL MINE SAFETY Rahall Pushes For Tougher Coal Mine Safety Laws
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Jeff Morris
Reported: Mar. 22, 2013 1:05 PM EDT
Updated: Mar. 22, 2013 1:48 PM EDT
Eyewitness News Photo
Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
With five coal mining fatalities in West Virginia so far this year, U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall is renewing his push for tougher federal laws.
Rahall is co-sponsoring a new version of a bill that has languished in the Republican-controlled House for more than two years.
He said the families of 29 men killed in the 2010 Upper Big Branch mine disaster are still waiting for Congress to respond with tougher regulations for industry.
The new bill would require mine operators to maintain records of their rock dust purchases so federal regulators can verify that they're properly addressing the constant hazard of explosive coal dust.
The bill would also require the Mine Safety and Health Administration to develop a staffing succession plan to ensure it retains a sufficient number of trained personnel.
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
MORE NEWS FROM EYEWITNESS NEWS
SHOOTING INVESTIGATION Man Shot On Charleston's West Side May. 19, 2013 10:14 AM EDT Police are looking for the person who shot a man on ...
Big decision looms for W.Va. House May 19, 2013 9:58 AM EDT West Virginia's House of Delegates faces a momentous decision once Speaker Rick Thompson departs for Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's Cabinet.
N. Ky. sheriff making big changes May 19, 2013 9:01 AM EDT A northern Kentucky sheriff has made some big changes during his first few months in office.
Cost could sink Cleveland trash plant May 19, 2013 9:34 AM EDT A proposal in Cleveland for a trash-to-energy plant could be sunk by rising cost estimates.
Associated Press
