The meeting, scheduled for Friday, April 28, at the MSHA office on Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, will run from 9am to 5pm local time for the purpose of gathering comments and input on the ETS and allow interested individuals to make presentations.

The Arlington meeting will follow the same format as the ones held earlier this month in Kentucky, Colorado and West Virginia, which allowed time for the agency to address the audience as well as for those in attendance to speak publicly. Prior written notification of desire to present is not required.

MSHA acting assistant secretary David Dye said last month when the ETS was announced that the changes were vital to the future of mine safety.

“This year’s tragic mine accidents in West Virginia require immediate action to be put in place – additional safety requirements to help miners successfully evacuate a mine when an emergency occurs. MSHA is moving forward on every front to improve protection for miners' safety and health,” Dye said.

Written comments will be accepted until May 30 and can be submitted to the MSHA Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances, Room 2350, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939; fax: 202-693-9441. Comments will also be accepted at www.regulations.gov or by e-mail to zzMSHA-comments@dol.gov, referencing RIN 1219 AB46 in the subject line.