Delegates Pass Mine Safety Bill

{Charleston, West Virginia}...Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, legislative leaders and representatives of the coal industry and the United Mine Workers Union have agreed on legislation designed to make coal mines safer. Monday, the House of Delegates quickly passed the bill, and final passage in the House is expected Tuesday. The legislation toughens methane standards and rock dusting requirements in underground mines, increases the average penalty for underground violations from $3,000 to $5,000, makes it a felony to tip-off a mine when a safety inspector arrives, requires that every two weeks the mine superintendent must review and sign off on daily safety reports by the mine foreman and fire boss, requires drug testing for all certified coal miners, as well as others in safety-sensitive positions at the mine and permits families of victims of fatal accidents to choose whoever they want to represent them during investigative hearings.