Miller Statement on MSHA Announcement Today on Mine Safety Fines
	Thursday, February 16, 2006
	WASHINGTON, DC -- Representative George Miller (D-CA), the senior Democrat on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, issued the following statement today on the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s announcement that it will begin the process of updating regulations that govern penalty assessments for violations of the Mine Act. Miller and Rep. Major Owens (D-NY) had written to Labor Secretary Elaine Chao last month asking her to begin this rulemaking process immediately. “The Bush Administration has always had the authority – without coming to Congress for permission – to stiffen the penalties for mine safety violations. I am encouraged to see that the Administration is finally recognizing that fact. On January 25, Congressman Owens and I asked MSHA to initiate this rulemaking process, and I am pleased that MSHA has agreed to do so. “Now, however, the devil is in the details. We will be watching this process closely to ensure that it is not just empty rhetoric intended to provide political cover. Miners continue to die, so the Administration must treat this with urgency. The Administration should act quickly to create a system of penalties that will force mine owners to follow the law and keep workers safe; anything short of that will be inadequate.” For the Miller/Owens letter to Chao from January 25, click here. ###

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