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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Deberah Kula |
   
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Kula, General Assembly approve mine safety reforms
Lawmaker says changes that drastically update state's mine safety laws heading to governor
HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Rep. Deberah Kula, D-Fayette/Westmoreland, announced that the Pennsylvania General Assembly has passed legislation that would make extensive updates and improvements to the state's mine safety law.
After several months of debate and discussion among state House, Senate and administration officials, as well as input from the Pennsylvania Coal Association and the United Mine Workers of America, Kula said an agreement was reached Monday on how best to reform the Commonwealth's outdated mine safety regulations. Once that agreement was put in place, House members quickly acted today to pass the legislation and send it to the governor's desk.
"Mining has always been an important part of Pennsylvania's tradition, economy and culture, especially in our area here in the southwestern part of the state," Kula said. "The fact of the matter is that for almost 50 years we have not acted to update or improve our mine safety laws. Coal mining is, has been and will always be a dangerous profession. So it was vital that we address this issue and provide additional safety for those who go underground."
Kula added that the legislation (S.B. 949) would make safety a priority by focusing on pre-shift and on-shift mine examinations, and other precautionary actions to limit accidents and expedite evacuations in the event of an emergency. In addition, Kula said, the bill provides "walk-about rights," giving miners representation during state facilitated mine inspections.
"Allowing miners to be represented during state inspections adds another layer of oversight that can help protect those that are at the most risk – the miners who are hundreds of feet below ground digging coal," Kula said. "I am proud to have voted for this landmark legislation and have played a part in strengthening laws that truly improve the safety of our mines and our mine workers."
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