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.
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