Lawmakers Mark Anniversary Of Mining Disaster With Calls For Reform

Democratic lawmakers are marking the one year anniversary of the Upper Big Branch mine disaster with calls for oversight reform.

“That tragedy pulled back the curtain on a segment of the mining industry that is taking too many risks with miners’ lives, and illuminated the need for comprehensive reform by the industry, [Mine Safety and Health Administration], and Congress,” Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), the chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said in a statement. 

The disaster prompted numerous promises to crack down on mine operators, such as Massey energy, the company that owned the Upper Big Branch Mine. The company, which has reportedly violated over 1,000 safety ordinances in the past five years, has had two of its executives indicted following the disaster.

However, some lawmakers are saying more needs to be done.

“Unscrupulous mine operators are still gaming the system by clogging it with thousands of appeals as a way to avoid paying strong penalties,” Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), the House Education and Labor Committee chair, said on  the House floor Tuesday. “Miners are still paralyzed with fear of being fired for speaking out because of weak whistleblower protections. Decisions made in the boardrooms to maximize coal production at the expense of miners’ safety remain unchallenged.”

The catastrophe claimed the lives of 29 West Virginian miners.