Rockefeller and Goodwin introduced the Coal Accountability and Retired Employee Act of 2010, which would protect pensions for more than 100,000 min workers, the news release states.

U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., introduced a similar bill in the House of Representatives.

The legislation would protect money coal miners have earned, Rockefeller said in the news release.

“We owe it to our hard-working coal miners to make sure their pensions are there for them when they retire,” he said. “Our West Virginia miners work long hours in difficult conditions to keep the lights on for America – and we should always thank them, respect them, and fight for them. This is money they have earned, and this legislation will give our retiring coal miners more certainty about their future.”

Under the measure, excess funds from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program would transfer to the United Mine Workers of America pension fund in an effort to prevent it from becoming insolvent, according to the news release.

The bill is one of the first for newly appointed senator Goodwin, who is serving on an interim basis until a special election is conducted to chose a successor to the late Robert C. Byrd.

“I am proud that one of my first acts as a new Senator is to introduce legislation that will help West Virginia coal miners," Goodwin said in the news release. "West Virginia understands and appreciates the hard work, sacrifice, and dedication our coal miners make each and every day they go to work. This legislation, which I am honored to introduce with Senator Rockefeller, will give our coal miners the peace of mind that their pensions will be more secure for them and their families.”