The west virginia coal association is behind this. I saw their spokesman on tv this evening, and he's applauding it as a good idea.
One thing you folks need to know is this.
There are some very good coal operators in this state. However, there are also some very shady operators, who would cut corners on safety if they thought they could get away with it.
The second problem is, there are a lot of state and federal mine inspectors who are on the take.
How can a mine inspector be objective when he is taking trips and WVU football game tickets from mine superintendants?
Any WV Inspector or MSHA Inspector who accepts football tickets from a mine operator is treading a very thin line.
I think they should at least be terminated. If the mine operator is receiving favors (tip offs on inspections/overlooked violations) the Inspector should be prosecuted. In my company, offering football tickets to an inspector would be a violation of the code of ethics, and the offending employee would be terminated.
If this is a MSHA Inspector, I am sure the US Attorney would be interested in details.
Sounds like S.O.P. for Charleston. I know of ABCC investigators who not only are alcoholics who drink for free at state-regulated bars but get kickbacks from bar owners not to report violations, especially in college towns.