KUER: Mine safety law update: first in nearly 50 years (2008-07-01)

For the first time since 1961, Pennsylvania's safety laws regulating the state's bituminous coal mines are poised for an update.

The state Senate on Monday voted unanimously to pass a measure, which, among other things, will allow state mine inspectors to fine mine owners or operators, rather than just supervisors, for safety violations.

A safety board will also be established to review and update the law as mine safety technology advances.

The Bituminous Coal Mine Safety Act has actually been on the books for nearly 130 years, with a slight update in 1961.

Flanked by legislative leaders, the governor praised the law, and said, "We have a law in Pennsylvania that was formulated in 1870, and had minor changes made to it in 1961. But in nearly 50 years there have been no changes. And think of the changes in technology during that time period. So it became an imperative -- and I would call it a moral imperative -- on all of our parts, to get this done, and there was no excuse for letting it miss this session."

The bill now goes to the House, where Democratic leaders have vowed to pass it this week. To listen to this morning's WPSU newscast, CLICK HERE

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