Nick Rahall: “It has been 1 year since the fatal explosion at Upper Big Branch Mine, 365 days since we lost 29 courageous coal…”

“It has been 1 year since the fatal explosion at Upper Big Branch Mine, 365 days since we lost 29 courageous coal miners--fathers and sons, brothers and friends. We vowed then that some good would come from this terrible tragedy. We can say that criminal investigations are almost complete, enforcement has toughened, the Congress has increased funding to target pattern violators, and yet coal miners are still dying in our coal fields. It's easy to doubt. It's easy to question whether things can be made better. I find inspiration in the Biblical verse from Romans: ``Glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulations worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.'' Never lose hope that we can improve the health and safety of miners in the coal fields. Never lose hope that we can pass tougher mine safety laws and that we can enforce those laws and save lives. There are plenty of good coal companies in America, companies that put time and effort and money into making their workplaces safe in which they operate. They are forward-thinking coal companies, with strong safety records that have designed programs aimed at protecting the lives and preserving the health of their miners. They want to see those bad actors, those companies that have tarnished the reputation of an important industry, reined in.…”