Kentucky House Passes Bill to Reduce Emergency Safety Measures in Small Coal Mines

The bill aims to support small mining operations amid industry decline, despite concerns over miner safety.

The Kentucky House approved House Bill 85, allowing small coal mines to reduce the number of miners with emergency medical training per shift.
Critics argue the bill compromises miner safety for financial benefits, a concern heightened by a past mining fatality in Kentucky.
Supporters claim the measure is necessary to keep small mining operations afloat during the industry's downturn.
The bill reduces the required number of mine emergency technicians from two to one for shifts with 15 or fewer miners.
Coal employment in Kentucky has significantly declined over the last decade, influenced by cheaper natural gas and environmental regulations.