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Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao
25th Anniversary
Celebration of MSHA's
National Mine Safety and Health Academy
August
14, 2001
Congresswomen Shelley Moore Capito, thank you for that
introduction. I would like to thank everyone who is participating today,
Congressman Rahall, Cecil Roberts, Jack Gerard, Frank Hanley, Richard Davis,
Jennifer Joy Wilson, David Young, and the many friends, students and staff of
this wonderful Academy.
I am especially delighted that Senator and Mrs. Byrd are
joining us today. Senator Byrd is a valued colleague of my husband. Senator
Byrd has even visited us in Kentucky for the McConnell Center for Leadership at
the University of Louisville. For the past quarter century, Senator Byrd has
been the driving force behind establishing and equipping this fine institution.
Thank you for your leadership, Senator.
I also want to express my appreciation to the new
Assistant Secretary for MSHA — Dave Lauriski for all of his hard work. We
are glad to have him.
It is a pleasure to be with you all today to celebrate the
Academy's 25 years of remarkable service to the mining community.
Over 400,000 mining industry personnel have passed through
these doors. And I am pleased that among them are several of MSHA's current
district managers, administrators and directors, including Deputy Assistant
Secretary Robert Elam.
Now, before I begin, I'd like to take the opportunity to
take care of something on my "to do" list. Recently, Congresswoman Capito sent
me a letter to which I have not yet had the opportunity to respond.
Her letter asked me to join her in supporting the adoption
of a commemorative stamp honoring America's coal miners. I also received a
similar letter from Congressman Bob Ney.
Well, I cannot think of a better or more appropriate place
or time to respond.
Today, I am pleased to announce that I will join
Congresswoman Capito and Congressman Ney in urging the United States Citizen
Stamp Advisory Committee and the Postmaster General to authorize a
commemorative stamp honoring America's coal miners.
The United Mine Workers and Cecil Roberts have worked for
many years on this worthy tribute. And I want to thank them for all their
efforts. Now let's resolve to make it happen. By coming together around this
cause I believe we will create a groundswell of support that cannot be ignored.
For generations, miners have worked hard to draw coal from
the depths of the earth. Coal miners fueled the locomotives that brought
settlers to every corner of this continent. Coal powered the naval fleets that
protected our shores and citizens during wartime. And today, coal miners help
generate the electricity that lights our streets and our homes.
Most Americans are not aware that coal miners supply the
majority of our nation's energy. And President George W. Bush's energy plan
ensures that clean coal will continue to be a major source of domestic energy
for decades to come.
And President George W. Bush's energy plan means more jobs
for coal miners.
The President is also working to protect the rights of the
mining community.
Last Thursday, the Department of Labor succeeded in
defending new black lung regulations that will streamline the benefits process
for victims. A federal judge agreed with the Administration and upheld every
part of the new regulations. The Department has also filed an appeal in the
Excel case to defend current coal dust sampling procedures designed to protect
miners.
President George W. Bush and the Department of Labor are
working to enhance mine safety, as well. We have issued new standards to limit
emissions of diesel particulate matter in the confined spaces of mines.
And when diesel particulate emission regulations for metal
and non-metal mines were threatened by a maze of litigation, the Department of
Labor acted. We went to great lengths to protect miners from years of delays.
This Administration, as it does on every important issue, brought the industry
and workers together. And we developed a rational, workable standard that
enhances mine safety.
The mining community is making great strides. But we still
have a lot of work left to do. We need more education, more training, and more
recognition for miners and their contributions to our nation.
You know, as I drove along Interstate 64 from Charleston
to Beckley this morning, I had the opportunity to take in all the natural, wild
beauty of this wonderful state. And I was reflecting upon the vastness of
America's natural resources.
Although these natural wonders make America unique, I
believe that our greatest natural resource is, and always will be, our people.
The National Mine and Safety Academy's whole mission, I
believe, rests on that principle. That's why it was not surprising to learn
that the Academy helped house flood relief workers, provided temporary storage
for the Red Cross, and loaned high pressure hydraulic equipment to help with
cleanup following the recent heavy rains and flooding.
It is not surprising because "people helping people" has
always been at the heart of the mining community.
Again, thank you for all your support of the Academy. God
bless you all.
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