News release: “The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) [published] a final rule….in the Federal Register that requires operators of underground coal mines to provide refuge alternatives to protect miners when a life-threatening event occurs that makes escape impossible. The rule is based on agency data and experience, recommendations from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health report on refuge alternatives, research on available and developing technology, state regulations, and public comments and hearing testimony. The rule implements Section 13 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006.”