Featured

Kentucky Needs Our Help

Show Your Support for Kentucky Coal 

Save the Dates:  June 5 in Frankfort and June 7 in Pikeville

Background: 

At the request of the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, the United States EPA will conduct hearings in Frankfort on June 5 and in Pikeville on June 7, regarding EPA’s specific objections to 36 individual KPDES permits that would authorize discharges from new or expanded surface coal mining activities in eastern Kentucky.

Featured

ANR Form Post-UBB Safety Research Panel

Three workplace safety and health experts will lead a research foundation formed by Alpha Natural Resources as part of a settlement agreement following the Upper Big Branch Mine accident.  U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, who worked out the deal with Alpha, said the foundation will be led by Keith Heasley of WVU, David Karmis of Virginia Tech and David Wegman of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

The company will provide $48 million in funds for independent research for improving coal mine safety and health.  This panel will oversee the use and expenditure of these funds.

Featured

"Quickie" Election Rule Struck Down

The National Mining Association (NMA) and allied organizations that comprise the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace have succeeded in setting aside an ill-conceived rule from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).  The US District Court of the District of Columbia struck down NLRB’s so-called “quickie” elections rule.  The “quickie” elections rule would have eliminated the current 25-day grace period between the request for an election and the holding of an election.  The rule also limited the issues and evidence that can be presented at a pre-election hearing denying employers due process and allowing important questions to remain unresolved prior to a union representation election.
Featured

Security America to Co-Sponsor at Coal Festival

Security America will co-sponsor Gospel Night at the Coal Festival in Madison, WV on Wednesday, June 20th.
Featured

Diesel Equipment Use Clarified

A copy of a policy on “diesel equipment” issued by CA Phillips, director, Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training to his Inspectors-at-large and all agency inspection staff is available upon request from WVCA offices. The policy addresses and permits the operation of diesel equipment in areas of the mine e.g. crosscuts, spurs and airlocks.