By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – The state is not planning to shut down coal mining operations to conduct safety inspections. There has been much concern over that issue recently, especially since a judge issued an order affecting mine inspections in Jefferson County. House and Senate lawmakers have passed a resolution encouraging Alabama's mining officials to perform inspections more often. They sent the resolution to Governor Bob Riley. Specifically, it expresses concern that Alabama has not put enough money into mine inspections and says the state should do more to insure its miners are safe.