Read the full stored bill text
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 2551
Page 1 of 2
XXXX 3/13/2026 10:23 AM Jacketed
A RESOLUTION recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Scotia Mine Disaster in 1
Letcher County. 2
WHEREAS, on March 9, 1976, shortly after 11:30 a.m., an explosion occ urred in 3
Mine No. 1 at the Scotia Coal Mining site at Black Mountain, Kentucky, killing 15 4
people; and 5
WHEREAS, two days later, as members of the community worked to rescue the 6
trapped miners, a second explosion occurred, claiming 11 more lives; and 7
WHEREAS, these two explosions combined resulted in one of the worst coal 8
mining disasters in United States History; and 9
WHEREAS, the 26 victims of these two explosions were beloved members of their 10
communities in eastern Kentucky, and their loss was felt across the region; and 11
WHEREAS, due to the instability of the conditions in the mines, the bodies of the 12
victims were unable to be recovered for several months, forcing families to mourn their 13
loved ones with empty caskets and resulting in protests to reopen the mines for body 14
recovery; and 15
WHEREAS, the lessons learned from these two explosions helped to reshape mine 16
safety regulations for years to come, as regulators and industry professionals came to 17
better understand how poorly ventilated air moves and can beco me trapped underground; 18
and 19
WHEREAS, the tragedy of the Scotia Mine explosions led to the Federal Mine 20
Safety and Health Act of 1977 and still informs regulations surrounding mine safety and 21
working conditions to this day; and 22
WHEREAS, because of the sacrifices of those miners and their families, miners 23
today work in much safer conditions, with extra precautions such as fireproof shelters, 24
emergency rations, and oxygen supplies; and 25
WHEREAS, while their loss remains an unforgett able tragedy, their legacy left on 26
the mining industry remains, saving hundreds if not thousands of lives over the last 50 27
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 2551
Page 2 of 2
XXXX 3/13/2026 10:23 AM Jacketed
years due to the improved working conditions in mines across eastern Kentucky and 1
throughout the United States; 2
NOW, THEREFORE, 3
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 4
Kentucky: 5
Section 1. The members of the Senate hereby recognize the 50th anniversary of 6
the Scotia Mine Disaster in Letcher County, and honor the memory of the 26 lives lost, 7
and the legacy of improved mine safety they leave even to this day. 8
Section 2. When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in honor of the 26 9
victims, their families, and the rescuers of the Scotia Mine Disaster of 1976. 10
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 11
Resolution to Senator Scott Madon. 12