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-                   Latest FMSHRC News              

# Latest FMSHRC News

## Temporary Suspension of In-Person Hearings Extended Until May 31, 2021

                              - Read more about Temporary Suspension of In-Person Hearings Extended Until May 31, 2021

In view of the risks presented by the novel coronavirus COVID-19, the Commission’s Office of the Chief Administrative Law Judge (“OCALJ”) is, effective December 9, 2020, suspending all in-person hearings, settlement judge conferences, and mediations until May 31, 2021.

At the discretion of the presiding administrative law judge and in coordination with the parties, hearings may proceed by videoconference or by telephone.  Similarly, settlement judge conferences and mediations may be held by videoconference or by telephone.  If the parties agree that an evidentiary hearing is not needed, cases may also be presented for a decision on the record.

The parties will be notified if the hearing needs to be rescheduled.  OCALJ will reassess the risks presented by in-person hearings prior to May 31, 2021, and issue a subsequent order informing the public as to whether the suspension of in-person hearings will continue.

The presiding administrative law judge may be contacted with questions regarding this notice.

## Michael Joseph Chirico sworn in as Government Liaison and Policy Advisor

                              - Read more about Michael Joseph Chirico sworn in as Government Liaison and Policy Advisor

Michael J. Chirico of Huntington, West Virginia was sworn in Monday, November 9th as the new Government Liaison and Policy Advisor of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. Immediately prior to this position, Michael served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Counsel to Congresswoman Carol D. Miller (WV-3). Prior to that, he was Chief of Staff to Congressman Evan H. Jenkins (WV-3).  

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE.pdf

## Notice of Proposed Rulemaking - Commission Procedural Rules 

                              - Read more about Notice of Proposed Rulemaking - Commission Procedural Rules 

The Commission published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register.  The notice is available at www.fmshrc.gov/content/changes-procedural-rules

Written and electronic comments regarding the proposed rules must be submitted on or before December 7, 2020.

Written comments should be mailed to Michael A. McCord, General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 520N, Washington, DC 20004–1710.

Electronic comments should state ‘‘Comments on Procedural Rules’’ in the subject line and be sent to RulesComments@fmshrc.gov.

For further information contact Sarah Stewart, Deputy General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, at (202) 434–9935.

## Issuances and Filings 

                              - Read more about Issuances and Filings 

Through **January 1, 2021**, case issuances of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (FMSHRC), including inter alia notices, decisions, and orders, will be sent only through electronic mail.  This includes notices, decisions, and orders described in 29 CFR 2700.4(b)(1), 2700.24(f)(1), 2700.45(e)(3), 2700.54, and 2700.66(a).  Further, FMSHRC will not be monitoring incoming physical mail or facsimile described in Procedural Rule 2700.5(c)(2).  If possible, all filings should be e-filed as described in 29 CFR 2700.5(c)(1). 

## Temporary Suspension of In-Person Hearings Extended Until January 1, 2021

                              - Read more about Temporary Suspension of In-Person Hearings Extended Until January 1, 2021

Glynn F. Voisin, Chief Administrative Law Judge:

In view of the risks presented by the novel coronavirus COVID-19, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, Office of the Chief Administrative Law Judge (OCALJ) is, effective immediately, suspending all in-person hearings, settlement judge conferences and mediations until January 1, 2021.

At the discretion of the presiding administrative law judge and in coordination with the parties, hearings may proceed by videoconference or by telephone.  Similarly, settlement judge conferences and mediations may be held by videoconference or by telephone.  If the parties agree that an evidentiary hearing is not needed, cases may also be presented for a decision on the record.

The parties will be notified if the hearing needs to be rescheduled.  OCALJ will reassess the risks presented by in-person hearings prior to January 1, 2021, and issue a subsequent order informing the public as to whether the suspension of in-person hearings will continue.

If you have any questions with regard to the notice, please contact the presiding administrative law judge.

SO ORDERED

Order of Temporary Suspension of In-Person Hearings 8-13-20.pdf

## Save the Date - An Online Celebration of the Life of L. Zane Gill.  

                              - Read more about Save the Date - An Online Celebration of the Life of L. Zane Gill.  

Please save the date and join us in an online celebration of life.

**July 11th at 11am MDT.**

 

## FMSHRC mourns the passing of Judge Zane Gill

                              - Read more about FMSHRC mourns the passing of Judge Zane Gill

We are saddened to report the passing of our esteemed colleague, Judge Zane Gill.  Judge Gill worked out of our satellite office in Denver, CO.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  For questions regarding cases that were before Judge Gill, please contact Kevin VanDyke at kvandyke@fmshrc.govor law clerk Kirsten Brown at kbrown@fmshrc.gov.

## Temporary Suspension of In-Person Hearings Extended Until July 10, 2020

                              - Read more about Temporary Suspension of In-Person Hearings Extended Until July 10, 2020

Glynn F. Voisin, Chief Administrative Law Judge:

In view of the risks presented by the novel coronavirus COVID-19, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, Office of the Chief Administrative Law Judge (OCALJ) is, effective immediately, suspending all in-person hearings, settlement judge conferences and mediations until Friday, July 10, 2020.

At the discretion of the presiding administrative law judge and in coordination with the parties, hearings may proceed by videoconference or by telephone. Similarly, settlement judge conferences and mediations may be held by videoconference or by telephone. If the parties agree that an evidentiary hearing is not needed, cases may also be presented for a decision on the record.

The parties will be notified if the hearing needs to be rescheduled. OCALJ will reassess the risks presented by in-person hearings prior to July 10, 2020, and issue a subsequent order informing the public as to whether the suspension of in-person hearings will continue.

If you have any questions with regard to the notice, please contact the presiding administrative law judge.

SO ORDERED.

Order of Temporary Suspension of In-Person Hearings 6-2-20.pdf

## Peabody Midwest Mining, LLC,

                              - Read more about Peabody Midwest Mining, LLC,

On June 2, 2020, the Commission issued its decision in *Peabody Midwest Mining, LLC*, Docket No. LAKE 2017-450.  

## Direction for Review - KC Transport, Inc.

                              - Read more about Direction for Review - KC Transport, Inc.

On April 6, 2020, the Commission granted the petition for review filed by KC Transport, Inc.

DFR(KCTransport Inc)WEVA 2019 0458.pdf

PDR(KC Transport Inc)WEVA 2019-0458.pdf

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