Nine Eastern Coal States Form New Coalition

Group plans to keep a close eye on new safety regulations, imports and other mining issues.

CHARLESTON — As the federal government considers new coal mine safety legislation, nine eastern states decided to formalize an informal practice of meeting to discuss issues facing their respective coal industries.

The Eastern Coal States Coalition has paid at least two visits to Congress since late June, and the members will continue to keep a close eye on how federal lawmakers focus on mine safety and other industry issues.

Most recently, the coalition submitted comments during a July 26 public hearing on two new mine safety bills that are pending in the House Education and Labor Committee