Press Releases

Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the top Republican on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, today expressed strong support for mine safety reforms that will identify and clamp down on unsafe mines and mine operators, modernize safety standards, and ensure federal oversight authorities are enforcing the laws designed to protect miners operating in dangerous conditions underground. With numerous investigations still underway into the tragic explosion at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch mine that took the lives of 29 miners earlier this year, Kline cautioned against a rushed legislative process that undercuts meaningful safety reforms.

“Over the years, Congress has taken repeated steps to improve mine safety. Yet as this loss reminds us, more work must be done to modernize our laws, toughen penalties on bad actors, and ensure federal agencies are fulfilling their oversight and enforcement responsibilities,” said Kline.

Kline’s comments came today during a hearing on H.R. 5663, legislation introduced by congressional Democrats to modify mining laws and make unrelated yet sweeping changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Act – policy shifts that would increase litigation and foster a more adversarial approach to workplace safety. Republicans strongly object to the non-mining provisions of the legislation, arguing Congress must focus its attention squarely on mine safety.

“The proposed changes to the OSH Act would dramatically reshape workplace safety policies for virtually every private-sector employer in America. These provisions will drive up costs and litigation for employers – all of which would make it more difficult to create jobs at a time when our economy needs them most,” said Kline. “And for all these changes proposed under the banner of workplace safety, the legislation does nothing to help employers make their workplaces safer. Once again, it is a punishment-only approach that ignores the importance of proactive prevention.”

With several investigations into the Upper Big Branch mine explosion still underway, no definitive cause or causes have yet been pinpointed for that tragedy. Moreover, the investigation launched by this committee into underground mine safety earlier this year is ongoing. Republicans believe mine safety reforms can be achieved on a bipartisan basis, informed by investigations and scientific evidence, and reflecting a targeted approach that roots out bad actors and focuses on preventing injuries and fatalities before they occur.

While comprehensive mine safety cannot be achieved until state, federal, and independent investigations are complete, Republicans have begun the discussion by identifying three potential areas for reform. Those include:

• Giving MSHA stronger tools and a clearer focus; holding the agency accountable

• Stiffening penalties and cracking down on bad actors

• Modernizing mine safety standards 

Republicans will pursue these and other emerging areas for reform as part of their effort to advocate for improved mine safety and more effective enforcement of the nation’s mining laws.

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