U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) welcomed coal industry leaders to the Bluefield Coal Symposium, which began today at the Bluefield Holiday Inn, and stressed the importance of the event to improving mine safety.

"I commend the Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce, local leaders and industry officials for their dedication to our brave miners and for their understanding of how tightly coal is woven into fabric of our future," Rahall said. "The importance of this conference cannot be understated and its impact will reverberate through our coalfields for years to come."

"This symposium, coupled with the new mine safety technology and development program at the Marshall University, which received critical funding just last week, is together a significant step forward for mine safety. But we must remain vigilant. As we all know too well, there is no room for complacency when it comes to saving lives. The work continues."