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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Frank Dermody |
  
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House passes landmark mining safety legislation
HARRISBURG, July 2 – State Rep. Frank Dermody, D-Oakmont, cast his vote Tuesday in support of legislation that would make changes to state coal regulations for the first time in 47 years to improve mining safety in the Commonwealth.
The bill (S.B. 949) would strengthen miner safety standards by addressing outdated infrastructure and policies; requiring at least two openings to the surface from each mine seam worked; improving emergency escape routes for miners; and requiring greater inspection measures and pre-shift examinations, among other aspects.
"Coal is a valuable resource for Pennsylvania, and so are the workers who mine it. We need to make sure that their working environment is a safe as possible, and this legislation helps ensure that," Dermody said.
The bill would require improved mine maps and advance drilling within 500 feet of abandoned adjacent mines, which addresses issues related to the 2002 Quecreek accident. It would hold the owner and operator of the mine responsible for any accidents, instead of just the supervisor, and require DEP to review mining permits for safety of mines, in addition to environmental soundness.
It also would create a Coal Mine Safety Board, which would be able to issue new safety regulations at coal mines.
Pennsylvania is the fourth-largest coal producer in the nation, employing more than 20,500 workers.
The bill now goes to the governor for his signature.
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