Today Senator Warner joined, via Skype, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise’s Miner Health and Safety Symposium, which he co-hosted along with the Eastern Coal Council and the Virginia Mining Association.  The Symposium provided miners and their families access to panel discussions on the health of the mining industry and what it and federal, state, and local governments could do to ensure that miners had a safe work environment and access to health care.

“We all know how important coal has been and will continue to be to the economy of Southwest Virginia,” Senator Warner told the attendees.  “Although miner health and safety continue to improve, these issues are still of great importance.  We need to keep mines safe and environmentally sound, but not without considering the impact on what is an important source of energy and jobs.”

Senator Warner thanked the audience and promised that he and his staff would follow up with miners and their families to answer any further questions about miner safety and long-term health.   

“This area has been very kind to me during my time as Governor and now Senator, and I‘ve always tried to remind people that Virginia doesn’t end at Roanoke,” concluded Senator Warner. “I’m looking forward to my next trip down to Southwest, when we’ll get a chance to talk in person.”