Industry educational campaigns and lobbying make a massive difference — even when faced with tragic disaster-induced legislative proposals.

The defeat of the Miller legislation is a major industry win, albeit a temporary one, accompanied by promises from Republican and Democratic members to revisit safety law in the next Congress. The experience once again demonstrated the need for increased lobbying and public educational efforts aimed at explaining the role of modern mining, as well as its highly favorable safety record. These two critical facts were far too often hidden during Congressional debates focused on tragic disasters. AM

Henry Chajet and Bob Horn are both partners in the Washington, D.C. office of Patton Boggs LLP. Chajet can be reached at jchajet@pattonboggs.com or 202-457-6511. Horn can be reached at rhorn@pattonboggs.com or 202-457-5232.