Committee on Education and Labor : U.S. House of Representatives

Press Releases

Mining Families, Worker Organizations, Public Health Experts Lend Support to Mine Safety Legislation

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

 

WASHINGTON, DC -- Active miners and family members of miners killed on the job voiced their support today for legislation that would help improve health and safety in the nation’s mines.

The United Mine Workers of America and other worker organizations also called on Congress to approve the legislation, which is scheduled for a vote on the House floor tomorrow. And leading public health experts from around the country endorsed provisions of the legislation that would reduce long-term health risks facing miners, such as exposure to coal dust, which causes black lung disease.

The legislation, the Supplementary Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (H.R. 2768), aims to prevent mining disasters; to improve emergency response in cases where disasters do occur; and to reduce long-term health risks facing miners.

“Mining families know better than anyone how important it is that we improve mine safety in this country,” said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee and sponsor of the legislation. “We owe it to them to do what we can to help make sure that all miners return home safely at the end of their shifts.”

  • To see a letter of support for H.R. 2768 from Kentucky mining families, click here.
  • To see a letter of support for H.R. 2768 from Utah mining families, click here.
  • To see letters of support for H.R. 2768 from worker organizations, including the United Mine Workers of America, click here.
  •  To see a letter of support for health provisions in H.R. 2768 from health experts, click here.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tom Kiley / Rachel Racusen
2181 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-226-0853