WV Acting Gov. Discusses Mine Safety in State of State Address
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. We have had too many disasters – places like Sago, Aracoma, and Upper Big Branch should be known for their coal production, and not for their disasters. Right now, investigators are working hard to determine the cause of the horrific tragedy that struck the Upper Big Branch mine.
When we determine the causes that contributed to that accident, we will do all that is necessary to make sure it never happens again.
If it means changing the way our Office of Mine, Health, Safety, and Training is structured, we will change it!
If it means changes in regulations, we will change them!
We will not rest until we know that we have done all that we can to keep our miners safe, each and every shift!
