Key Committee approves new mine safety bill in nation’s capital

Suggested host intro: A US congressional committee has just approved a new mine safety bill, which will mean a lot for Kentucky because mining is the state’s number one industrial employer. But lawmakers on Capitol Hill have mixed reactions. Matt Laslo reports from Washington.

NARR: Last year Congress responded to Kentucky’s Darby Mine disaster with a lot of industry reforms. This year, after Utah’s Crandall Canyon mine disaster, lawmakers say even more regulations are needed. The new bill increases health safety provisions and forces mine companies to get rid of outdated equipment. West Virginia Democratic Congressman Nick Rahall says a new hotline the bill sets up will help Mine Safety and Health Administration officials.

“It’s vital that not only miners but mine safety inspectors that work for MSHA have a toll free anonymous manner to report violations that occur,” Rahall said. “To often they are afraid to do that these days, especially the safety inspectors.” 

The bill also requires mine companies to quickly install wireless communications in case of a collapse. But western lawmakers say that won’t work in the deeper western mines.

For Kentucky Public Radio, I'm Matt Laslo, Capitol News Connection, Washington.