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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Scott Conklin |
  
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Conklin: Mine safety reforms heading to governor's desk
Centre Co. lawmaker says changes drastically improve, update state's mine safety laws
HARRISBURG, July 1 – Centre County state Rep. Scott Conklin announced that the Pennsylvania General Assembly has passed legislation that would make extensive reforms 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United Mine Workers of America, Conklin said an agreement was reached Monday on how best to improve the Commonwealth's outdated mine safety regulations.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.
"Today is a historic day for miners and mining in Pennsylvania," Conklin said. "It has been nearly five decades since the Commonwealth last reformed its coal mine safety laws, but the fact remains that this is a dangerous profession. It was vital that we make these changes and once again commit ourselves to protecting our miners, our mines and our mining communities."
Conklin, who played an integral role in strengthening the original proposal, said 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, Conklin said, the bill provides "walk about rights," giving miners representation during state-facilitated mine inspections.
"We have such a long, proud tradition of mining in communities all across the Commonwealth and our coal miners have given so much to so many," Conklin said. "We needed to hold up our end of the bargain and do more to protect our miners who put their lives on the line each time they enter a mine. I am proud to have played a part in strengthening these laws and in truly making our mines and mine workers safe."
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