SAFETY CHANGE STALLED Rule On Methane In WV Mines Remains Stalled
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Heath Harrison
Reported: Jan. 30, 2013 3:24 PM EST
Updated: Jan. 30, 2013 3:43 PM EST
Eyewitness News Photo
Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
A rule that could toughen rules on methane gas levels in West Virginia coal mines remains stalled.
The State Journal reported Tuesday's meeting of the state Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety failed to reach a quorum because three members were out of town.
The United Mine Workers of America said the representatives were in St. Louis for a protest related to the bankruptcy of Patriot Coal.
But board administrator Joel Watts said work on the new rule may not have been finished even if they'd been present.
Federal rules require mining equipment to shut down at methane concentrations of 2 percent or more. Proposed state regulations would cut that to 1.25 percent if the levels are sustained.
But Watts said the definition of "sustained" remains in discussion.
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