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HARRISBURG, April 4, 2006 – State Sen. J. Barry Stout called for new
legislation to protect Pennsylvania miners at today’s Senate Democratic
Policy Committee hearing at the Capitol.
“We cannot wait for federal action on the issue of mine safety,” said Stout
(D-Washington/Greene/Beaver/Allegheny/ Westmoreland). “We must take steps
now to protect our miners and make our mines the safest in the country. Our
state laws do not reflect the current technology that is available. Now is
the time to update our laws, before there is a tragedy in Pennsylvania.”
Stout is co-sponsoring two bills that would improve mine safety in
Pennsylvania.
Senate Bill 949 would require greater safety precautions in advance of
drilling, a more reliable mapping system, and tougher penalties for mining
companies that violate state regulations.
Senate Bill 1092 would require that miners be equipped with wireless
tracking devices and that companies have extra oxygen and safety equipment
located strategically throughout underground mines.
At today’s hearing, a representative from
ChemBio Shelter, an Allentown-based company, discussed their mine safety
shelters. These shelters would provide a safe haven for up to 18 miners with
clean air for four days or longer. Such safe rooms are used widely in
Australia, Canada, and other countries.
Personal emergency devices helped save the lives of 45 miners who navigated
out of a Utah mine during a fire in 1998. These devices have been approved
by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, but are not required.
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