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Kentucky passes mine safety bill
Associated Press
Published March 25, 2006
FRANKFORT, Ky. - State inspectors will visit every coal mine in Kentucky at least three times a year under legislation that received final approval by the General Assembly on Friday.
Spurred by a series of coal mine deaths in Kentucky and West Virginia, state lawmakers made improving safety a key part of their agenda in the legislative session that is now in its final days.
The mine safety measure, which passed the Senate on a 37-0 vote Friday evening, also requires that breathing devices be stored in underground escapeways.
The measure would allow the state for the first time to fine coal companies for safety violations. It also offers job protection to "whistleblowers" who expose unsafe mining conditions.
Gov. Ernie Fletcher will sign the measure into law, spokeswoman Jodi Whitaker said.
LaJuana Wilcher, secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Environmental and Public Protection, said she has asked legislative leaders for funding to pay for about 15 additional mine inspectors. Those inspectors would be needed to conduct the additional inspections of the state's 600 active mines.
[Last modified March 25, 2006, 01:51:17]
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