Today's Article
It's a law that is
sorely needed--as
recent events have
tragically proven.
sorely needed--as
recent events have
tragically proven.
The American Spark
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House Passes Miner Safety Bill
By Cliff Montgomery - Nov. 4th, 2007
The House of Representatives on Oct. 29th passed the Mine Communications Technology Innovation Act
of 2007, a bill intended to better protect America's miners.
It's a law that is sorely needed--as recent events have tragically proven.
And it's apparently a very popular piece of legislation. The bill was only introduced into the House on Oct.
17th; twelve days later it had been fully amended by the House Committee on Science and Technology. It
then was immediately put onto the floor for a voice vote after a suspension of House rules, and quickly passed.
Currently it is being considered by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Below we offer an extension of remarks from one of the bill's sponsors, Representative Mark Udall (D-CO),
who offers a clear explanation for why this bill should be law:
"Madam Speaker, as a co-sponsor, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3877, the Mine Communications
Technology Innovation Act, which was introduced by our colleague from Utah, Mr. [Jim] Matheson [D-UT].
"Mining is an important part of our history, and it will be critical to our future as well; but we have seen too many
mining accidents that have ended in tragedy. Too often, these tragedies have been related to difficulties with
communication. The unfortunate deaths of six miners and three rescuers at the Crandall Canyon Mine this
year has highlighted the severe communication challenges that miners face when deep underground.
"While mines generally use reliable communications systems, some mines--specifically, deep underground
mines--present a number of unique challenges that make communications and tracking more difficult.
"For example, the open air pathway required for radio signals and WiFi often do not exist in underground
mines--and less than ten percent of the radio spectrum that is used above ground can be used underground.
"Additionally, in the event of a catastrophic event, existing communications systems are often compromised.
"This bill would help improve tracking and communications systems for two-way communication between the
miners and people above ground. Specifically, H.R. 3877 would accelerate the research and development of
innovative mine tracking and communications technologies.
"Since the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) addresses oversight of immediately
available technologies, this legislation is targeted R&D for new technologies...[which will] advance our ability to
communicate underground.
"Under this legislation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) would establish an
initiative...[which will] promote the research, development, and demonstration of miner tracking and
communications systems, ...[as well as] promote the establishment of standards and other measurement
services regarding underground miners.
"Not only will this legislation help miners, but it will draw upon the expertise of Colorado researchers. NIST's
Boulder labs have already begun similar work for communications in collapsed buildings, and are well
positioned to support this new effort with its experience in developing technical standards, best practices and
conformance testing.
"This bill will ensure that our miners have the state-of-the-art equipment they need to communicate with people
above ground, especially in times of emergency.
"I urge the House to support this important legislation that will help us save lives in the future."
Like what you're reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of the The American Spark
e-newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be
delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!
By Cliff Montgomery - Nov. 4th, 2007
The House of Representatives on Oct. 29th passed the Mine Communications Technology Innovation Act
of 2007, a bill intended to better protect America's miners.
It's a law that is sorely needed--as recent events have tragically proven.
And it's apparently a very popular piece of legislation. The bill was only introduced into the House on Oct.
17th; twelve days later it had been fully amended by the House Committee on Science and Technology. It
then was immediately put onto the floor for a voice vote after a suspension of House rules, and quickly passed.
Currently it is being considered by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Below we offer an extension of remarks from one of the bill's sponsors, Representative Mark Udall (D-CO),
who offers a clear explanation for why this bill should be law:
"Madam Speaker, as a co-sponsor, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3877, the Mine Communications
Technology Innovation Act, which was introduced by our colleague from Utah, Mr. [Jim] Matheson [D-UT].
"Mining is an important part of our history, and it will be critical to our future as well; but we have seen too many
mining accidents that have ended in tragedy. Too often, these tragedies have been related to difficulties with
communication. The unfortunate deaths of six miners and three rescuers at the Crandall Canyon Mine this
year has highlighted the severe communication challenges that miners face when deep underground.
"While mines generally use reliable communications systems, some mines--specifically, deep underground
mines--present a number of unique challenges that make communications and tracking more difficult.
"For example, the open air pathway required for radio signals and WiFi often do not exist in underground
mines--and less than ten percent of the radio spectrum that is used above ground can be used underground.
"Additionally, in the event of a catastrophic event, existing communications systems are often compromised.
"This bill would help improve tracking and communications systems for two-way communication between the
miners and people above ground. Specifically, H.R. 3877 would accelerate the research and development of
innovative mine tracking and communications technologies.
"Since the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) addresses oversight of immediately
available technologies, this legislation is targeted R&D for new technologies...[which will] advance our ability to
communicate underground.
"Under this legislation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) would establish an
initiative...[which will] promote the research, development, and demonstration of miner tracking and
communications systems, ...[as well as] promote the establishment of standards and other measurement
services regarding underground miners.
"Not only will this legislation help miners, but it will draw upon the expertise of Colorado researchers. NIST's
Boulder labs have already begun similar work for communications in collapsed buildings, and are well
positioned to support this new effort with its experience in developing technical standards, best practices and
conformance testing.
"This bill will ensure that our miners have the state-of-the-art equipment they need to communicate with people
above ground, especially in times of emergency.
"I urge the House to support this important legislation that will help us save lives in the future."
Like what you're reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of the The American Spark
e-newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be
delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!