New Mine Protection Bill to be Introduced

A state lawmaker has pulled a bill that would cut down on mine inspections. Sen. Randy Smith proposed the measure that would have eliminated almost all coal-mine safety enforcement by West Virginia inspectors. A new proposal has popped up in its place that’s more of a compromise between industry and labor. A representative for the Senate Committee on Energy, Industry and Mining said more will be announced about the new bill this week. The Department of Environmental Protection’s environmental advocate office will still exist under the new bill.