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Ky. Senate Vote to Eliminate State Mine Inspections

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State inspections of Kentucky’s underground mines would be eliminated under a bill approved by the state senate on Thursday. Supporters say the measure reduces duplication of federal mine assessments. 

Under current law, every mine in Kentucky is inspected by the state six times a year. Bill Sponsor Chris Girdler of Somerset told his senate colleagues that federal policies related to the coal industry amount to "strangulation by regulation." Girdler said some mines are inspected 10 times a day. “Mining companies now have more inspection days than operational days,” said Girdler.

Proponents argue federal mine assessments have increased while the number of operating mines has decreased. Paris Senator Stephen West backs the measure. West said the bill would "repurpose some of these inspectors into this safety role, trying to protect our miners, but at the same time, not overburdening the operators that are left and trying to salvage something for this state."

Pike County Senator Ray Jones says hard economic times in Appalachian mining may make it more difficult to put resources into safety.

Grayson Senator Robin Webb was outspoken in her opposition the measure. “There’s nothing wrong with the state having a legitimate presence and the authority to intervene,” said Webb.

The bill would allow mine safety analysts to shut down mining operations if significant problems are found. Webb contends that would only come into play for the most offensive violations. The bill, approved 25 to 11, is headed to the House.

Stu Johnson is a reporter/producer at WEKU in Lexington, Kentucky.
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