ASSE Backs MSHA FY 2012 Budget Request
ASSE expressed support for MSHA’s $384.3 FY 2012 budget request in a letter to House Appropriations Committee leaders. “We believe that safety in mines will be enhanced not by ‘less MSHA’ but by ‘a better MSHA,’” the letter stated. Full funding of MSHA’s budget request will allow MSHA to provide funding for improved dust monitoring in coal mines through the purchase of continuous personal dust monitors, move forward on several regulatory initiatives particularly in the health area, and address the backlog of enforcement cases presently before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. However, ASSE expressed concern with the proposed transfer of Small Mines Office personnel to field or district offices, fearing the end of this compliance-assistance program to help small mines with safety.