"Coal Industry Seeks 'Voluntary' Safety Plans"

"CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A year after the worst U.S. coal-mining disaster since 1970, the mining industry on Wednesday launched a campaign for a program that could allow companies with good safety records to avoid regular mandatory inspections.

The National Mining Association urged Congress to model the initiative after an existing Voluntary Protection Program at the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Anthony Bumbico, vice president for safety at Arch Coal, pitched the idea on the association's behalf during a Wednesday hearing before a House Committee on Education and the Workforce subcommittee."

Ken Ward Jr. reports for the Charleston Gazette May 4, 2011.