Coal news and updates

Coal Act clears Senate following debate in West Virginia

The state Senate passed legislation Tuesday backed by the West Virginia coal industry, which supporters say gives the industry a break amid some of the worst economic conditions in its history.

The final vote for passage of the 2015 Coal Employment Protection Act was 26-8, but followed impassioned debate. The coal industry is seeking a series of changes in state law to allow them more flexibility and more opportunities to remain competitive with surrounding states.

Among the changes adopted in the bill are rolling back certain state mine safety laws to equal the same standards required by federal regulations. The change was opposed by some.

“I think it sends a horrible message to the people of this state we are willing to compromise or sacrifice one iota of safety,” said Senate Minority Leader Jeff Kessler (D-Marshall). “One line of safety, in the hopes we may create additional jobs.”

But others rose to defend the bill, particularly those from the economically battered southern West Virginia coalfields.

“I looked at the entire bill and I thought the contents of the bill were as perfect as it could be to give people the opportunity to go back to work and be competitive,” said Democratic Senator Art Kirkendoll (D-Logan)

“If I thought for one second this bill was going to take an unnecessary risk I’d stand right here and fight it,” said Senator Daniel Hall (R-Wyoming) . “But I don’t. The professionals on the ground, in the offices, and in the inspection offices agree. This is good legislation. Let’s put our coal miners back to work and let’s do it safely.”

Hall mentioned during the debate his father is a state mine inspector and was the first one to go underground after the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster. Hall added he knew many of the 29 men and their families who were killed.

Monongalia County Senator Bob Beach offered an amendment which failed to keep some of the protections in place. Beach wanted to protect a specific set of rules put into place after a 1972 mine fire at the Blacksville #2 mine in Monongalia County. His uncle was the foreman that day and died in disaster.

“Death is out of our control, but mine disaster here today, by not repealing this stuff allows us to protect other miners and their future,” said Beach. “I should point out that in 1972 that was a mine fire and because of the legislation the legislature and some of the federal legislation at that time, that was the last mine fire in West Virginia.”

Beach’s amendment failed on a narrow vote.

West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney said the legislation gives the industry a chance to reduce operating costs at a time when every penny is being scrutinized. Raney said the changes enable them to be more competitive with neighboring coal producing states.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Trump closed the debate by noting he’s from the eastern panhandle where there is no coal, but recognized the important role coal has played in the empowering of West Virginia and the nation.

“There will come a day when American will turn to West Virginia and say, ‘We need the BTUs from your hills. We need the power that you provide to advance economic prosperity in America and the world,'” said Trump. “That day will come and the purpose of this bill is to make us ready.”

Source: wvmetronews.com