The coal industry accepts its responsibilities for the safe operation of its mines and where regulation achieves greater safety, we have no quarrel. But, where it does not enhance safety, we believe that Federal regulation is misplaced and counterproductive. Rigid, inflexible, thoughtless regulation, no matter how well intended, can have a plainly detrimental effect on achieving a safe, efficient, and productive coal industry. It’s the overregulation and enforcement of the Act as an end in itself that has caused the coal industry most of its problems…
Ralph Bailey chairman and chief executive officer of Consolidation Coal Co. spoke before the House Subcommittee on Labor Standards, on behalf of the National Coal Association and the Bituminous Coal Operators Association. Before the House Subcommittee on Labor Standards, “Oversight Hearings on the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969”.