Senate committee forwards two coal mine board nominees after nominees stress safety focus

The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on April 23 voted unanimously to forward the appointments of Eric Popham and Mike Zimmerman to the Colorado Coal Mine Board of Examiners, placing the nominations on the consent calendar.

Director Michael Cunningham of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety introduced the nominees and framed the board’s role in setting certification standards and training that align with federal Mine Safety and Health Administration requirements. "Mining is, of course, an inherently dangerous profession and the safety of the miners must remain the paramount concern," Cunningham told the committee.

Popham, who Cunningham said resides in Rangely and began his mining career in 1996, told the panel he has 26 years at the Deserado mine and described a personal commitment to miner safety and practical training. "My passion for coal mining is deeply personal," Popham said, adding that his hands-on experience and work on the mine rescue team inform his approach to certification standards.

Mike Zimmerman, introduced as a longtime mining safety manager from Fruita and a prior board member, said technological advances have made mining safer but stressed the need for qualified personnel conducting worksite exams. "At the end of the day, sending home miners safe is the number 1 priority," Zimmerman said.

Committee members offered thanks and brief praise for both nominees' safety focus and willingness to serve. A committee member made a motion to forward the appointments with a favorable recommendation; the committee polled and recorded unanimous support. The chair directed that the appointments be placed on the consent calendar.

Next steps: the nominations will go to the full Colorado Senate for consideration as part of the consent calendar.