The group, made up of seven individuals from across the coal community, was developed under Pennsylvania's new bituminous mine safety law that was passed by state government and signed by Governor Edward Rendell in July 2008.

Beginning on its effective date of January 3, the board gained the authority to implement mine safety regulations and keep pace with ever-developing technology.

“Board members can act quickly to implement necessary improvements and precautionary measures that will keep miners safe as the industry advances,” Department of Environmental Protection officials said.

DEP acting secretary John Hanger said the department had regulated underground coal mining in Pennsylvania since 1877.

“But this is the first time the department has been given the authority to enact new regulations to protect the safety of our underground coal miners,” he said.

Hanger pointed out that 2002’s Quecreek Mine accident brought to light the state’s inability to correct regulatory shortcomings and deficiencies because it did not have the authority to update the laws.

“Under the new law, we now have that authority,” he said.

“The Board of Coal Mine Safety is one of the most significant improvements to Pennsylvania's mine safety program, in that it allows us to make improvements as new mining technologies or hazards are identified.”

Hanger said the passage of the bituminous mine safety law had given both the industry and the state’s miners the ability to provide input and the state greater opportunity to address issues.

As one of the board’s first projects, recent changes to federal laws regarding fire-resistant conveyor belts and in-mine refuge areas will be reviewed.

“The board will have the option to amend these requirements into state law and institute more stringent requirements, if needed, based on geologic conditions and other issues in Pennsylvania's underground mines,” DEP spokesman Tom Rathbun noted.

The seven board members include Ronald Bowersox (UMWA), John Gallick (Foundation Coal), Dave Hudson (Consol Energy), Robert Penigar (Rosebud Mining), Frank Reidelbacch (UMWA) and James Sabella (UMWA). The members were appointed by Rendell.

“With passage of this legislation, the Department of Environmental Protection has followed through on every recommendation made by the governor's Commission on Mine Safety, DEP's Bureau of Mine Safety, the state Attorney General's Office, the US Attorney's Office, and the US Mine Safety and Health Administration in the wake of the Quecreek accident,” the DEP said.

Last October, Rendell signed the Mine Families First Act, which ensured respect and dignity for the families of those workers involved in underground emergencies, including a plan for communications and notifications on status and rescue progress.

Transportation to and from an appointed gathering place is also made available under the law, as are counselling and specific security measures to ensure privacy.

Pennsylvania, the fourth largest coal producing state in the US, has 34 underground bituminous mines, according to state data. In 2008, the state marked three fatalities, all of which involved underground equipment.