S. 5391
Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act of 2026
Sponsor: Tim Kaine · 0 cosponsors
Official summary
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Text of the bill
I Additional inspection and investigation authority
II Enhanced enforcement authority
III Penalties
IV Miners’ Rights and Protections
V Modernizing health and safety standards
(a) In general. Section 115 (30 U.S.C. 825), as amended by section 504, is further amended—
(1) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) (as redesignated) as subsections (f) and (g), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) (as redesignated) the following:
(e) Authority To mandate additional training
(1) In general. The Secretary is authorized to issue an order requiring that an operator of a coal or other mine provide additional training beyond what is otherwise required by law, and specifying the time within which such training shall be provided, if the Secretary finds that—
(A)
(i) a serious or fatal accident has occurred at such mine;
(ii) such mine has experienced accident and injury rates, citations for violations of this Act (including mandatory health or safety standards or regulations promulgated under this Act), citations for significant and substantial violations, or withdrawal orders issued under this Act at a rate above the average for mines of similar size and type; or
(iii) an operator has a history of failing to adequately train miners as required by this Act or regulations promulgated under this Act; and
(B) additional training would benefit the health and safety of miners at the mine.
(2) Withdrawal order. If the operator fails to provide training ordered under paragraph (1) within the specified time, the Secretary shall issue an order requiring such operator to cause all affected persons, except those persons referred to in section 104(c), to be withdrawn, and to be prohibited from entering such mine, until such operator has provided such training.
(b) Conforming amendments. Section 104(g)(2) (30 U.S.C. 814(g)(2)) is amended by striking under paragraph (1) both places it appears and inserting under paragraph (1) or under section 115(e).
VI Additional mine safety provisions