State Safety

Legislation was introduced in West Virginia legislature which would provide a tax credit to coal companies that that purchase “innovative safety technology.”  The bill would charge the Mine Safety Technology Task Force to  “annually compile a proposed list of approved innovative mine safety technologies” which would be provided to the Director of the Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training for approval.

The list of mine safety technologies would “describe and specifically identify safety equipment for use in West Virginia coal mines which…is not required by the Mine Safety and Health Administration…or the … Continue Reading

Kentucky’s Mine Safety Review Commission (MSRC) “is charged with conducting hearings and issuing orders regarding licensees, coal operations and other persons involved in the mining of coal….”  Meetings of the MSRC are open to the public and are held in the boardroom located at 132 Brighton Park Blvd. in Frankfort, Kentucky.  Meetings begin at 9:00 a.m.

Attached below is MSRC’s 2011 Meeting Schedule.

Kentucky Mine Safety Review Commission 2011 Schedule

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia’s top mine safety official is seeking nearly $1 million to hire a dozen more underground mine inspectors.

Acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin included $984,240 for new inspectors in his proposed state budget. A spokeswoman says the state Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training requested the additional funds.

The increase would boost the inspector ranks to nearly 100, starting with the budget year that begins July 1. The request comes as the state continues to grapple with safety questions following the Upper Big Branch mine explosion that killed 29 miners in April.

Editor’s Note: The following is from West Virginia Gov. Tomblin’s 2011 State of the State Address.

As a State, we must continue to encourage and assist the development of solutions that keep coal relevant in today’s world. That is why I have added an additional $200,000 to the Division of Energy’s budget. We will use the additional moneys to enhance our efforts and finding ways to keep West Virginia as an energy leader.

And as we look for ways to use coal in a more environmentally friendly manner, we must also keep a vigilant eye on making sure that our mines are safe. … Continue Reading

Attached is the Colorado Department of Reclamation Mining & Safety’s current coal rulemaking schedule.

ColoradoTimelineforCoalProgramRulemaking