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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Scott Conklin |
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Conklin amendment improves, strengthens mine-safety proposal
HARRISBURG, April 8 – Centre County state Rep. Scott Conklin and members of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee endorsed a proposal on Tuesday that would significantly update the state's mine-safety law.
Prior to the committee endorsement, Conklin successfully amended the legislation (S.B. 949) by adding key improvements and placing a priority on the safety of mine employees.
"It has been almost five decades since Pennsylvania has significantly dealt with mine safety and has made a commitment to updating and upgrading its law that protects miners," Conklin said. "My amendment adds weight to the Senate measure and shows that we are serious about keeping our miners, our mines and our mining communities safe."
Conklin said his amendment would make safety a priority by requiring mines to have at least two intake outlets to the surface from every coal seam being mined and restrict mine access when a potentially dangerous condition becomes apparent. In addition, the amendment would broaden definitions so that more miners and mine employees are protected under the state's mine-safety law and tighten regulations regarding transportation for exiting mines and certification requirements for mine foremen, examiners and electricians.
"The long tradition of mining in Pennsylvania is a proud tradition, and this Commonwealth has historically led the way in advancing safety requirements for miners," Conklin added. "Although we cannot completely wipe out mine accidents or disasters, we can put in place provisions that protect and prepare our miners and limit disasters and their aftermath."
In addition to the safety improvements included in Conklin's amendment, S.B. 949 would create a seven-member Coal Mine Safety Board that would develop safety regulations that utilize new technologies, make a mine owner or operation responsible for safety compliance at a mine, and authorize emergency contracting provisions to pay for mine rescues and other safety concerns.
Conklin said the amended Senate bill has been sent to the full House for consideration.
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