Utah Governor Creates Mine Safety Commission

Utah Governor Jon Huntsman has named the members of the newly organized Utah Mine Safety Commission to look into mine safety and accident prevention, as well as to investigate the Crandall Canyon Mine disaster and the State of Utah’s role leading up to the incident, rescue, recovery and community support processes.

Gov. Huntsman has asked Scott Matheson, former dean of the University of Utah Law School and former United State Attorney, to chair the Commission.

A significant part of this review will be an assessment of the role of state and local government relative to the federal government and private industry in ensuring mine safety, the Governor’s office said. Huntsman has asked the Commission to make policy recommendations on how the state should promote mine safety, including legislative changes at the state and/or federal levels. The Commission will also seek expert assistance through recruitment of a volunteer technical advisory committee.

Public hearings will be conducted in Huntington and Price, as well as other locations deemed appropriate. The Commission will not be tasked with investigating the cause of the Crandall Canyon Mine disaster or determine any fault for its occurrence.

Other Commission members, serving in a voluntary capacity, will include:
* Jake Garn, former United States Senator;
* Mayor Hilary Gordon, Huntington;
* Mayor Joe Piccolo, Price;
* Senator Mike Dmitrich;
* Representative Kay McIff;
* Dennis O’Dell, Safety and Health Director of the United Mine Workers of America; and
* David Litvin, Utah Mining Association.

The Commission is expected to offer a preliminary report in the fall.

Source: Governor’s office.