This year began with a terrible workplace tragedy, the explosion at the Sago Mine in West Virginia that claimed the lives of 12 miners. More than two dozen coal miners have died in workplace accidents already in 2006, making it crystal clear that we need strong protection for our miners.

As oil prices soar, pressure is on to produce more coal. As the coal mines kick into high gear, we have to protect the workers who are working for us. Let’s make sure there are no more Sagos. Contact your U.S. senators and representative today and ask them to support real reform to our mine safety laws.

It’s no coincidence that we’ve seen a rash of mining fatalities this year. The Bush administration has put our nation’s coal miners in danger by killing 17 Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) safety rules, including measures on mine rescue teams and emergency oxygen. These very rules might have helped the miners at Sago. The administration also weakened mine ventilation standards and allowed coal conveyer belt shafts to be used as a source of air, a dangerous practice prohibited by the Mine Act.

What’s more, President Bush has consistently put mine bosses and industry executives in charge of MSHA. His administration has failed to punish mining companies for safety violations, levying insignificant fines when companies put their workers in danger.

Our coal miners are dying at an alarming rate, and it has got to stop. Take action today and tell your senators and representative to pass protections for miners.

Two bills proposed in Congress (H.R. 4695/S. 2231 and S. 2308) would take immediate steps to protect the nation’s coal miners, including:

• Requiring immediate notification of accidents and rapid emergency response.
• Require new, stronger standards on mine rescue teams, communications, tracking devices and oxygen availability for mine emergencies.
• Set mandatory minimum penalties for egregious and repeated violations.
• Prohibit the use of conveyor belts to ventilate work areas.

Let’s make a difference for workers who face unsafe conditions every single day. Help pass these important reforms and help save miners’ lives.