During the White House signing ceremony held yesterday, the president said the S.2803 Miner Act would require mine operators to report any life threatening accident no later than 15 minutes after they know one has occurred.

And to ensure compliance with the law, he said the Miner Act would increase the maximum penalty for violations of mine safety regulations nearly fourfold.

“The Miner Act of 2006 has strong support of mine workers and the mining industry, and it was overwhelmingly passed by the Congress,” Bush said.

Before signing the Act, the president thanked the governors of three important coal mining states – Joe Manchin (West Virginia), Ernie Fletcher (Kentucky) and Ed Rendell (Pennsylvania) – for attending the ceremony.

“This year alone, accidents have taken the lives of 33 miners in our country. Just last month, five miners were killed in a mine explosion in Harlan County, Kentucky. And in January, Americans watched and prayed … for the 13 miners that were trapped underground by the explosion in the Sago mine,” Bush said.

“I was struck by how the governors handled the tragedies of the mine incidents. I thought they were able to convey a deep sense of compassion in an attempt to heal hearts. And I thank them for their courage.”

After the Act was signed, Bush stressed the importance of experienced leadership at the Mine Safety and Health Administration and again proposed Richard Stickler of the state of West Virginia to be new the head of MSHA.

“He's got experience. He served for six years as the director of Pennsylvania's Bureau of Deep Mine Safety. He was a miner, mine shift foreman, a superintendent and a manager, and the Senate needs to confirm Richard Stickler to this key position,” he said.

US Secretary of Labor Elaine L Chao attended the White House ceremony and said the Act represented the first revisions to federal mine safety laws since the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act became law in 1977.

“The Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act is the most significant mine safety legislation in nearly 30 years. It builds upon efforts by the Mine Safety and Health Administration to improve mine safety nationwide, and calls for the modernisation of safety practices and development of enhanced communication technology,” Chao said.

“We need to do everything we can to continue to improve safety in our nation's mines so miners can return home safely to their families at the end of their shifts.”

The Bill also has the support of the United Mine Workers of America, the National Mining Association, and West Virginia Coal Association.