Senate looks to improve mine safety laws after deadly W.Va. coal mine explosion

Senate panel focuses on mine safety problems

WASHINGTON — Senators are focusing on how they can improve mine safety laws as they hold their first hearing on this month’s mining disaster in West Virginia.

The hearing Tuesday in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will examine provisions in the law through which mine operators can challenge safety violations and delay penalties.

Massey Energy chief executive Don Blankenship won’t be at the hearing to discuss the accident at the Upper Big Branch mine his company owns. An explosion at the mine on April 5 killed 29 workers.

The hearing will not focus on the specific cause of the blast.

Senators also will consider how to improve safety compliance in other industries.