{Charleston, West Virginia}...House of Delegates Speaker Rick Thompson made his first speech from the House floor in seven years Tuesday to promote passage of mine safety legislation. The bill passed 95-0. The House approved bill has a number of new requirements including more responsibility for a mine superintendent to check safety books, a provision that would make it illegal to tip-off mine officials about a pending safety inspection and provisions to keep coal dust down with more rock dust. Delagate Mike Caputo, D-Marion and a longtime member of the United Mine Workers Union, told delegates what happened at UBB was "akin to organized crime." Caputo says he won't be satisfied until former Massey Energy President and CEO Don Blankenship is "hauled off in shackles" for the murders of the 29 UBB miners. Caputo said he believes the bill will save lives because it will hold mine operators accountable.Tuesday, February 28, 2012
House Passes Mine Safety Bill
{Charleston, West Virginia}...House of Delegates Speaker Rick Thompson made his first speech from the House floor in seven years Tuesday to promote passage of mine safety legislation. The bill passed 95-0. The House approved bill has a number of new requirements including more responsibility for a mine superintendent to check safety books, a provision that would make it illegal to tip-off mine officials about a pending safety inspection and provisions to keep coal dust down with more rock dust. Delagate Mike Caputo, D-Marion and a longtime member of the United Mine Workers Union, told delegates what happened at UBB was "akin to organized crime." Caputo says he won't be satisfied until former Massey Energy President and CEO Don Blankenship is "hauled off in shackles" for the murders of the 29 UBB miners. Caputo said he believes the bill will save lives because it will hold mine operators accountable.