President Obama's budget proposal announced yesterday would make a slight cut in the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The agency said it plans to focus "limited resources" on enforcement, and would spend $2.9 million more next year on enforcement, safety and health standards in the coal industry. That is likely in response to the Upper Big Branch coal-mine explosion that killed 29 miners in West Virginia in 2010, The Charleston Gazette's Ken Ward Jr. reports.
MSHA would cut non-enforcement branches, including education, training, information services and program administration. Under Obama's proposal, the agency's staff would drop to 2,336 from 2,365. The administration is also asking Congress to give MSHA authority to "assess a fee on coal operators to recoup the costs of analyzing 'rock dust' samples," used by officials to determine if enough crushed limestone has been spread in underground mines to prevent explosion. (Read more)
MSHA would cut non-enforcement branches, including education, training, information services and program administration. Under Obama's proposal, the agency's staff would drop to 2,336 from 2,365. The administration is also asking Congress to give MSHA authority to "assess a fee on coal operators to recoup the costs of analyzing 'rock dust' samples," used by officials to determine if enough crushed limestone has been spread in underground mines to prevent explosion. (Read more)
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