FR 2024-28874

The document is a notice from the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, setting forth details of an upcoming open meeting. Scheduled for December 17, 2024, at 10 a.m. in Washington, DC, the meeting is to be held in the Richard V. Backley Hearing Room. The primary agenda item is a discussion of the case Mallery v. El Segundo Coal Co., LLC. Participants will examine whether the Judge involved erred in decision-making regarding adverse action and issuing show cause orders.

Summary and General Information

The Commission's notice offers essential information for those interested in attending or participating. Importantly, it underscores that the meeting is open to the public, introducing ways the general public and specific stakeholders can engage with the Commission’s work. For individuals who cannot attend in person, the provision of a listening line offers inclusivity and accessibility, allowing wider participation.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Despite providing key logistical details, the document exhibits several notable issues. For one, while it indicates that special accessibility needs must be communicated in advance, it does not specify how these should be communicated or a timeline for doing so. This omission can be problematic for attendees with specific accessibility needs.

Additionally, there is a conspicuous lack of background information on the case under discussion—Mallery v. El Segundo Coal Co., LLC. Without context or additional details provided within the document, individuals unfamiliar with the specifics of this case may find it challenging to understand the relevance of the discussions.

Another concern is the absence of information regarding any potential costs associated with the meeting or how those costs are managed. Understanding such financial implications could contribute to assessing the fiscal responsibility of conducting such meetings.

Impact on the General Public and Stakeholders

For the general public, this document outlines a governmental process that remains open and ostensibly transparent, allowing individuals to observe how decisions that may affect mine safety and health are deliberated. However, the lack of contextual information about the case could reduce the meeting's potential transparency.

For specific stakeholders—such as parties involved in the case, affected workers, or mine operators—the meeting presents a crucial opportunity to hear firsthand the Commission's examination of judicial decisions that might directly impact regulatory precedents and workplace safety measures.

Furthermore, the lack of detailed accessibility instructions could negatively impact individuals requiring special accommodations, potentially deterring their participation in the meeting.

In summary, while the announcement reflects the Commission's commitment to openness and public engagement, there are areas where clarity and additional information would better support comprehensive understanding and inclusivity for all potential participants.