MSHA to hold public hearing in Birmingham on Feb. 5
on proposed rule for civil penalty assessments

Who: Mine Safety and Health Administration

What: Public Hearing on Proposed Rule for Criteria and Procedures for Assessment of Civil Penalties

When: Thursday, Feb. 5 at 9 a.m. CST

Where: Sheraton Birmingham Hotel 2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North Birmingham, Alabama 35203 205-324-5000

Background: On July 31, 2014, the Mine Safety and Health Administration published a proposed rule to amend its civil penalty regulation to simplify the criteria, which will promote consistency, objectivity and efficiency in the proposed assessment of civil penalties and facilitate the resolution of enforcement issues. The proposal would place a greater emphasis on the more serious safety and health conditions and provide improved safety and health for miners. MSHA also is proposing alternatives that would address the scope and applicability of its civil penalty regulation.

MSHA held public hearings on Dec. 4, 2014, in Arlington, Virginia, and on December 9, 2014, in Denver. In response to requests from the public, MSHA will hold two additional public hearings on the proposed rule to provide the public an opportunity to present their views on this rulemaking. In addition to the hearing in Birmingham on Feb. 5, a hearing will be held in Chicago on Feb. 12.