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�001611( � <br /> noun <br /> L_.",ANCC <br /> GARFIELD - A <br /> MESA 0 <br /> 4Lqrn m� <br /> November 1, 1988 <br /> Governor Roy Romer <br /> State Capitol Building <br /> Denver, CO 80203 <br /> RE: Mid-Continent Coal Issue <br /> Dear Gov. Romer: <br /> We would like to renew our request for you to assist in resolving <br /> the current job-threatening dispute between the Federal Mine Safety <br /> and Health Administration and the Mid-Continent Coal Company. The situation <br /> is becoming critical. <br /> As you can see by the attached news article and letter, both <br /> Rep. Ben '.Nighthcrse Catr.pbell and Senator Bill Armstrong are attempting <br /> tc get '_`Y.Ss- to j rovidE a :lore "positive satet-, inr'ec'Linr, pr.,&ram. <br /> State Senator Dave wattenberg anc Rep. Scott Mclanis arc also trving <br /> to help resolve the dispute so that mining jobs are not lost. <br /> Unfortunately, MSHA officials have steadfastly refused to negotiate <br /> or mediate stating that any settlement would restrict their statutory <br /> authority. Attached is the negative MSHA reply to Judge John J. Morris <br /> who had suggested mediation of this dispute. <br /> It should be pointed out that no change in Federal law occurred <br /> when MSHA stepped up its inspection program at the Mid-Continent mine. <br /> MSHA officials continually refer to life threatening methane gas <br /> problems for their need to provice round-the-clock inspection. yet <br /> we are convinced, after visiting with mining officials anc miners, that <br /> very few of the 1400 safety citations involve methane gas problems. <br /> We are further convinced that the who-LE star, is not bein, told by MSHA <br /> concerning the reasons for their steppea-up inspection enforcement at <br /> this particular mine. <br /> Senator Armstrong has references a possible Congressional investigation <br /> into the 'MSHA inspection. program when Congress reconvenes next year. <br /> We would applaud such a request , but it may be too late to save the <br /> mining jobs at the Mid-Continent mines. The company has already been <br /> forced to lay-off 140 miners. Another 360 mining jobs plus 130 contract <br /> se - U21peatened as well by the repeated closure orders. <br /> I <br /> Ju <br /> BOX 351 RIFLE, COLORADO 81650 TELEPHONE 303-625-1723 <br />