From the "American Chronicle":

REPORT: BUSH ADMINISTRATION SYSTEMATICALLY UNDERMINING HEALTH AND SAFETY OF MINE WORKERS

California Political Desk


The California Political Desk provides information, news releases, and announcements obtained from communication and public relations offices throughout the state.

By California Political Desk
January 31, 2006

Rep. George Miller Renews Call for Congressional Hearings

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. George Miller (D-CA) today issued a new report that shows that the Bush Administration has systematically undermined health and safety protections for American mine workers by putting the interests of mine operators ahead of rigorous enforcement of the law. The report was prepared at Miller's request by the Democratic staff of the House Education and the Workforce Committee.


"This report clearly shows that the Bush Administration has put mine workers' lives at greater risk by putting the interests of mining company executives ahead of the enforcement of critical workplace health and safety rules," said Miller, the senior Democrat on the Education and the Workforce Committee. "Most troubling, the Administration has scrapped or delayed 18 regulations that would have improved health and safety conditions in mines without putting onerous burdens on mine operators. These actions represent a shocking abdication of the Administration's responsibilities to protect the lives of American mine workers."


The report's key findings include:

Between 2001 and 2005, the Bush Administration delayed, weakened, or withdrew a total of at least 18 regulations intended to protect the health and safety of mine workers. At least three of those regulations were intended to boost safety measures that could have directly affected the outcomes at the Sago and Alma mines in West Virginia.

In addition to delaying or withdrawing these safety regulations, the Bush Administration also adopted a regulation that weakens safeguards against fires on conveyor belts in mines. At the Alma mine in West Virginia where two miners were killed earlier this month, investigators suspect a conveyor belt fire may have been to blame.

From 1996 to 2000, the Clinton Administration proposed fining coal operators the maximum fine allowed under law a total of 118 times, according to an analysis of MSHA data. From 2001 to 2005, the Bush Administration proposed the maximum allowable fine just 37 times. ...