§963 Technical Study Panel

Summary

Create a Technical Study Panel to give independent scientific and engineering review and recommendations about using belt air and about what belt materials are made of and how fire‑resistant they are in underground coal mines. The Panel has six members: two picked by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (with NIOSH and the Office of Mine Safety consulted), two picked by the Secretary of Labor (with the Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health consulted), and two picked by Congress leaders (one chosen jointly by the majority leaders of the Senate and House and one chosen jointly by the minority leaders), with the congressional picks named before the sine die adjournment of the second session of the 109th Congress. Four members must hold a master’s or doctoral degree in mining engineering or a related science. No member may work for a coal mine, a labor union, or a state or federal agency that mainly regulates mining. Within 1 year after all members are named, the Panel must send a report to the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Senate HELP Committee, and the House Education and the Workforce Committee. The Secretary of Labor must reply to those committees within 180 days, saying what actions (including any proposed rules) will be taken and why. Panel members get pay, daily allowances, and travel costs the same way as under section 210(c) of title 42.