Comments Filed on Proposed Barge Safety Regulations

In late May, the Association filed comments with the Office of Miners’ Health, Safety & Training (OMHS&T) and the Secretary of State’s Office regarding the emergency rules that establish training requirements for individuals working aboard coal barges.  The Association’s comments questioned the authority of the OMHS&T Director’s authority to issues legislative rules, particularly on an emergency basis.  That authority is usually exercised by the WV Board of Coal Mine Health & Safety, as required by state law.  

 

In a similar action, on June 1st, the national trade association representing the inland and coastal tugboat, towboat and barge industry, the American Waterways Operators (AWO), filed comments with the OMHS&T expressing opposition to the proposed rule because of conflicts with interstate commerce, the U.S. Coast Guard regulations and the Responsible Carrier Program.  AWO has more than 300 individual companies from New England to Alaska, and throughout the interior river system of the United States, including extensive operations along the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers.