Matheson Backs Mine Safety Improvements

Crafts Key Compromise for Utah mines

Washington D.C.—Congressman Jim Matheson today joined the widespread support for a bill that will do more to prevent accidents and improve emergency communications for underground miners.  Matheson is a cosponsor of HR 2768 – the Supplemental Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2007 (S-MINER).

Matheson said the legislation seeks to speed compliance with safety enhancements –in the aftermath of Utah’s Crandall Canyon Mine disaster—included in a 2006 mining bill.

“I want everyone who goes to work underground in the mine to have the best possible odds of returning safely to his or her family at the end of each shift,” said Matheson.  “I also want the industry to continue to operate, offering good paying jobs with good benefits to Utah employees.”

Matheson had great concerns with the bill as initially drafted, to include language that would ban belt-air ventilation, a process used by most Utah coal mines.  Matheson successfully negotiated a compromise that would allow the use of belt-air ventilation to continue, allowing Utah coal mines to remain viable.

“The best way to honor the sacrifice of the 9 miners who died at Crandall Canyon is to make the important job they did safer and to continue the economic opportunities for coal country communities,” said Matheson.

 

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