Capito Statement On Upper Big Branch Disaster Final Report

Statement

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., co-founder of the Congressional Coal Caucus, released the following statement in response to the U.S. Labor Department's Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) Final Report about the Upper Big Branch Mine Explosion:

"From my preliminary review of MSHA's report, the most heartbreaking takeaway is thatthis explosion was stoppable, that the catalysts of the disaster could have been addressed. Simply put, measures could have been taken to prevent this unthinkable tragedy. Nothing can make up for the 29 lives lost on that tragic day. I hope this final report at least gives some closure to their families who have been waiting for answers for over a year.

"The mining industry is an indispensible part of our state both economically and culturally. For generations, our friends and family have worked in the mines, and we take great pride in knowing that their hard work helps power America. When tragedy strikes and miners are killed, it truly affects us all. Mining is a tough and often dangerous profession; however there is no reason for any miner to be unnecessarily put in excessively dangerous situations. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure laws and rules allow for the safest work environment possible."

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