WASHINGTON (June 19, 2007) – Congressman Ben Chandler joined his colleagues today in supporting legislation to improve safety and health conditions in mines across the United States.  

Introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the legislation would help improve mine safety by updating half-century old mine safety standards, requiring additional underground gas and smoke monitoring systems, and implementing improved underground communications systems and refuge chambers.

“Last year, I voted for the MINER Act passed by Congress which I believe was a necessary start in protecting our miners,” said Congressman Ben Chandler.  “However, I believe that Congress desperately needs to consider additional mine safety requirements and penalties for non- compliance.”

Specifically, the legislation would enhance penalties for habitual violators, would protect miners who complain of unsafe working conditions from retaliation, would improve emergency response, and would grant the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration subpoena power.  In addition, the legislation would require that procedures for accident investigations be standardized, would allow additional investigations by an independent agency if requested by miners, their families, or their representatives, and would strengthen the existing coal dust, hazard, and asbestos exposure standards for miners.

“Last year’s tragedies in coal mines across our region are sad reminders of what Kentuckians have long known—mining coal is a dangerous job,” said Congressman Chandler.  “We shouldn’t risk another miner’s life by failing to act.”

Congressman Chandler is an original cosponsor of this legislation, which has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. George Miller D-CA) and Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV), and in the Senate by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA).

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