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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Ted Harhai |
   
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Harhai supports miner safety legislation
HARRISBURG, June 30 – State Rep. Ted Harhai, D-Westmoreland/Fayette, today attended a news conference in support of an agreement on landmark legislation that would update the state's Bituminous Coal Mine Act and strengthen miner safety measures.
An avid supporter of the mining industry, Harhai said key components of the bill (S.B. 949) would address outdated infrastructure and policies in mine operations by upgrading housing structures for underground transformer stations and other electrical equipment to suppress fires; improving emergency escape routes for miners by reducing the distance between shaft openings; and requiring greater inspection measures and pre-shift examinations, among other things.
"Dozens of mines operate beneath western Pennsylvania, and the region is home to miners and families who rely on their government to protect their safety while improving mining capabilities," Harhai said.
"I'm pleased that following months of negotiations to determine what details to include in this bill, we finally have in place safety measures that serve the best interests of our miners. This act was last revised in 1959, making it long overdue for these changes."
Harhai said members of both the House and Senate, the Rendell administration, United Mine Workers of America, and other agencies and groups attended the news conference to support the agreement.
The House is expected to vote on the bill this week.
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