April 16, 2010
Statements by Sen. Byrd, Sen. Rockefeller on Mine Tragedy
Special to Huntingtonnews.net
Washington, DC (HNN) -- Following meetings Thursday, April 15 concerning the WV mine disaster, Senators Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller, both D-WV, issued the following press releases:
Sen. Byrd:
“We had an informative discussion this afternoon with MSHA officials updating us on the tragedy at the Upper Big Branch Mine on April 5, and the status of the investigation into the cause of this terrible explosion.”
“We have been told that the underground physical examination of the mine will begin within the week. We have been told that this is going to be a long investigative process that will pose a big challenge for the agencies involved.”
“And we were also told that according to MSHA, in 2009 their agency had issued 48 withdrawal orders at the Upper Big Branch Mine for repeated significant and substantial violations, which is nearly 19 times the national rate – and the highest in the country.”
“Disasters on this scale were supposed to be relegated to history following the passage of the 1969 Coal Act. It’s incomprehensible that 29 miners should have perished in what appears to be a methane gas explosion, exacerbated by excessive coal dust. It is a violation of the most basic health and safety laws. We must determine why the enforcement process broke down, and hold accountable those responsible.”
“The ultimate responsibility for the health and safety of the miners falls to the mine operator.
No captain of industry, regardless of power or position, is beyond the reach the law. We mean to act swiftly, deliberately, and comprehensively to protect our miners, and to hold accountable any operator who puts profits above the health and safety of his own employees.”
Sen. Rockefeller:
“What we heard here today is that MSHA is working to move forward with a thorough investigation into the Upper Big Branch mine disaster. The agency has pledged to conduct an internal review, to tighten its own procedures and relieve the backlog of cases, and review ways the current law may need to be changed. I have also expressed to MSHA that we must take a second look at any mine with a troubling safety record, send inspectors and enforcement officials, and streamline rules for pattern violations.
“While we still do not know the exact cause of the explosion, we do know that something went horribly wrong, and we must find and close any and all loopholes. This is a shared responsibility for the companies and the government alike to keep our mines safe. We also know from this briefing that the response from our rescue teams at Big Branch Mine was outstanding. These courageous men and women risked their lives for the safety of our miners and MSHA noted that their response was enhanced as a result of the MINER Act requirements and the increased federal funding allocated to support their work.
“At my urging, MSHA has pledged to keep the West Virginia delegation and the people of West Virginia informed of their findings. This was the first of many briefings to come. We are still early in the process, but I am very much aware that people want information and the speed with which the details and proposed solutions are disseminated can often be frustrating. I do share that emotion. Investigations and efforts to craft the most effective solutions to make sure tragedies like this don’t happen can take some time. I want the people of West Virginia to know I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure that no stone is left unturned in our quest to keep the government accountable to the people.
“West Virginia’s miners are some of the strongest, bravest men and women I know. I have seen firsthand just how much they care about safety and security down in the mines, and we have a responsibility to make good on that commitment. We must honor the memories of the fallen and their loving families by learning from this terrible accident and making the improvements we need for the future, immediately.”
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Statements by Sen. Byrd, Sen. Rockefeller on Mine Tragedy
Special to Huntingtonnews.net
Washington, DC (HNN) -- Following meetings Thursday, April 15 concerning the WV mine disaster, Senators Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller, both D-WV, issued the following press releases:
Sen. Byrd:
“We had an informative discussion this afternoon with MSHA officials updating us on the tragedy at the Upper Big Branch Mine on April 5, and the status of the investigation into the cause of this terrible explosion.”
“We have been told that the underground physical examination of the mine will begin within the week. We have been told that this is going to be a long investigative process that will pose a big challenge for the agencies involved.”
“And we were also told that according to MSHA, in 2009 their agency had issued 48 withdrawal orders at the Upper Big Branch Mine for repeated significant and substantial violations, which is nearly 19 times the national rate – and the highest in the country.”
“Disasters on this scale were supposed to be relegated to history following the passage of the 1969 Coal Act. It’s incomprehensible that 29 miners should have perished in what appears to be a methane gas explosion, exacerbated by excessive coal dust. It is a violation of the most basic health and safety laws. We must determine why the enforcement process broke down, and hold accountable those responsible.”
“The ultimate responsibility for the health and safety of the miners falls to the mine operator.
No captain of industry, regardless of power or position, is beyond the reach the law. We mean to act swiftly, deliberately, and comprehensively to protect our miners, and to hold accountable any operator who puts profits above the health and safety of his own employees.”
Sen. Rockefeller:
“What we heard here today is that MSHA is working to move forward with a thorough investigation into the Upper Big Branch mine disaster. The agency has pledged to conduct an internal review, to tighten its own procedures and relieve the backlog of cases, and review ways the current law may need to be changed. I have also expressed to MSHA that we must take a second look at any mine with a troubling safety record, send inspectors and enforcement officials, and streamline rules for pattern violations.
“While we still do not know the exact cause of the explosion, we do know that something went horribly wrong, and we must find and close any and all loopholes. This is a shared responsibility for the companies and the government alike to keep our mines safe. We also know from this briefing that the response from our rescue teams at Big Branch Mine was outstanding. These courageous men and women risked their lives for the safety of our miners and MSHA noted that their response was enhanced as a result of the MINER Act requirements and the increased federal funding allocated to support their work.
“At my urging, MSHA has pledged to keep the West Virginia delegation and the people of West Virginia informed of their findings. This was the first of many briefings to come. We are still early in the process, but I am very much aware that people want information and the speed with which the details and proposed solutions are disseminated can often be frustrating. I do share that emotion. Investigations and efforts to craft the most effective solutions to make sure tragedies like this don’t happen can take some time. I want the people of West Virginia to know I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure that no stone is left unturned in our quest to keep the government accountable to the people.
“West Virginia’s miners are some of the strongest, bravest men and women I know. I have seen firsthand just how much they care about safety and security down in the mines, and we have a responsibility to make good on that commitment. We must honor the memories of the fallen and their loving families by learning from this terrible accident and making the improvements we need for the future, immediately.”
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