Mine-safety bill sent to Pa. Senate

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20080116_Mine-safety_bill_sent_to_Pa__Senate.html

Posted on Wed, Jan. 16, 2008

A committee cleared the overhaul, prompted by the Quecreek accident. Rendell says he'll sign it.

By Amy Worden

Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau
HARRISBURG - A bill revising the state's mine-safety law for the first time in 47 years cleared a Senate committee and now heads to the full chamber, which could pass it within two weeks.

Approved unanimously yesterday by the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, the measure creates a state mine-safety board that can make regulations without waiting for legislative approval; strengthens mine-safety standards; and requires mine operators, rather than employees, to take responsibility for accidents.

"We feel this will give us the best mine-safety law in the nation," said Sen. Richard Kasunic (D., Fayette), the bill's sponsor. "This bill will bring us into the 21st century with new technology."

Mine operators also support the bill, but the union representing most mine workers does not.

Kathleen McGinty, secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, called the bill a "historic piece of legislation" and said its passage indicates that coal mining will continue to play an important role in the economy of Pennsylvania.

A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R., Chester) said the senator was making every effort to move the bill by the end of the month.

FULL story at link.