There are two good articles in the Charleston Gazette today about Mine Safety. One, by Ken Ward and the other an AP article.

Senator Byrd has arranged Senate hearings that look like they will be focusing on Mine Safety, as well as the MSHA budget (not to mention whether there was a top down push to reduce vigilance.)

I also think that it’s important to note that both of these mines were non-union mines. Those who have read about the mine wars know what an important part the UMWA has played in coal mining. Hopefully they will be stepping forward again, to push for communication and safety equipment that MHSA has had seemingly little interest in since the Bush administration took office.