May 05, 2010
“In light of the recent tragedy at Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia resulting in the death of 29 miners, Congress is weighing federal standards and enforcement of mine safety law,” wrote Durbin. “I am interested in your perspective on how well Illinois coal companies are complying with current safety standards and what steps need to be taken to better protect mine workers.”
Durbin also reiterated the importance of the coal industry in Illinois and the critical need for safety standard compliance: The coal industry is a significant part of Illinois history and is vital to our economy. In 2008, 18 coal mines produce over 34 million tons of coal with just 3,467 employees. Compared to 1930, when 185 Illinois mines produced 52 million tons of coal with over 51,000 employees, it is clear that the 21st century Illinois coal miner is highly skilled and productive. However, mining remains a dangerous profession with a fatal accident rate per 100,000 full time employees nearly six times that of the general private sector.
[Text of the letter appears below]
May 5, 2010
Director Joe Angleton
Office of Mines and Minerals
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
524 South Second Street
Springfield, IL 62701-1787
Dear Director Angleton:
I write to request your views and any supporting information available on the safety of Illinois’ coal mines.
The coal industry is a significant part of Illinois history and is vital to our economy. In 2008, 18 coal mines produce over 34 million tons of coal with just 3,467 employees. Compared to 1930, when 185 Illinois mines produced 52 million tons of coal with over 51,000 employees, it is clear that the 21st century Illinois coal miner is highly skilled and productive. However, mining remains a dangerous profession with a fatal accident rate per 100,000 full time employees nearly six times that of the general private sector.
In light of the recent tragedy at Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia resulting in the death of 29 miners, Congress is weighing federal standards and enforcement of mine safety law. I am interested in your perspective on how well Illinois coal companies are complying with current safety standards and what steps need to be taken to better protect mine workers.
In addition, please provide data on compliance, enforcement and injury at Illinois’ mines in recent years. Also, please provide any additional information regarding new or recently opened mines in the Illinois.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
Durbin Presses for Information on Compliance with Mine Safety Standards
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – As Congress weighs federal standards and enforcement of mine safety law in the wake of the recent tragedy at Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today sent a letter to Illinois Department of Natural Resources requesting data and information on how well Illinois coal companies are complying with current safety standards.“In light of the recent tragedy at Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia resulting in the death of 29 miners, Congress is weighing federal standards and enforcement of mine safety law,” wrote Durbin. “I am interested in your perspective on how well Illinois coal companies are complying with current safety standards and what steps need to be taken to better protect mine workers.”
Durbin also reiterated the importance of the coal industry in Illinois and the critical need for safety standard compliance: The coal industry is a significant part of Illinois history and is vital to our economy. In 2008, 18 coal mines produce over 34 million tons of coal with just 3,467 employees. Compared to 1930, when 185 Illinois mines produced 52 million tons of coal with over 51,000 employees, it is clear that the 21st century Illinois coal miner is highly skilled and productive. However, mining remains a dangerous profession with a fatal accident rate per 100,000 full time employees nearly six times that of the general private sector.
[Text of the letter appears below]
May 5, 2010
Director Joe Angleton
Office of Mines and Minerals
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
524 South Second Street
Springfield, IL 62701-1787
Dear Director Angleton:
I write to request your views and any supporting information available on the safety of Illinois’ coal mines.
The coal industry is a significant part of Illinois history and is vital to our economy. In 2008, 18 coal mines produce over 34 million tons of coal with just 3,467 employees. Compared to 1930, when 185 Illinois mines produced 52 million tons of coal with over 51,000 employees, it is clear that the 21st century Illinois coal miner is highly skilled and productive. However, mining remains a dangerous profession with a fatal accident rate per 100,000 full time employees nearly six times that of the general private sector.
In light of the recent tragedy at Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia resulting in the death of 29 miners, Congress is weighing federal standards and enforcement of mine safety law. I am interested in your perspective on how well Illinois coal companies are complying with current safety standards and what steps need to be taken to better protect mine workers.
In addition, please provide data on compliance, enforcement and injury at Illinois’ mines in recent years. Also, please provide any additional information regarding new or recently opened mines in the Illinois.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator