House Attempts to Move AGC-Opposed Mine Safety Bill Forward

On Wednesday, the Democratic leadership in the House made an attempt to push forward a mine safety bill. Under the procedure they chose to pursue, supporters would have needed two-thirds of the House to approve the bill and were unable to meet that threshold.  The Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act had originally included AGC-opposed OSHA reform.  Although the OSHA provisions were stripped from the bill, AGC opposed the bill because it would implement radical restructuring of the relationship between the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and its regulated employers.  AGC strongly supports worksite safety.  However, this legislation would establish a broad enforcement regime for the entire industry as well as other connected industries by establishing precedent on how the government and employers interact. Under this bill, employers would face harsh penalties without the benefit of legal due process rights and greatly increase penalties, including interest penalties, should a company challenge a citation.  If there is time before Congress adjourns for the year, the House may try to bring the bill back up under regular procedures and it may pass. It is uncertain as to whether the Senate would act on this bill.  For more information, contact Kelly Knott at (202) 547-4685 or knottk@agc.org.