U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairman John Kline (R-MN) issued the following statement after an independent investigative panel released a preliminary report on the 2010 Upper Big Branch mining disaster:
“Federal officials, state leaders, and mine operators each play a critical role in ensuring the safety of our mines. The strongest laws cannot protect miners if the federal enforcement agency fails to do its job and mine operators ignore safety standards. Today’s report indicates the tragedy at Upper Big Branch resulted from a systemic failure of leadership. This is deeply disturbing. The committee will take a close look at the report’s findings and recommendations as we continue our efforts to ensure all stakeholders are doing their part to protect the nation’s miners."
