Clearly, there's no room for people working impaired in the coal mines. We work in fairly confined areas with large pieces of equipment, and there's no room for error.

In Kentucky, there's been no discernible trend to the accidents. I don't know what's causing them, but it's very disheartening, that's what it is.

It's important that we monitor these miners with problems.

It's important that we monitor these miners with problems. The intent is good. It needs to be thought through very carefully.

For all kinds of reasons, the labor pool is smaller.

It's fair game to make your emotional statement - that you don't like a particular form of mining - but at least we need to work to keep (the) facts in line with (the) story.

Coal production peaked in 1990, and we lost 40 percent of our production, which meant we lost 40 percent of our miners.

It would probably keep outlaws out of the business.

I think it clearly adds some strong safety provisions that will improve safety in the mines.

If a fine is levied and the appeal process is run, (MSHA) ought to collect it. You ought to comply with the law, period.