shut them down, when you shut that mining machine down and they can't run coal. that's the real cost. >> reporter: but shutting down a mine isn't easy. the feds find it hard to touch even repeat offenders if they correct the violation. it is like an endless series of strikes with few ever called out. >> the law gives them the opportunity to correct their violations and go back to work. there is nothing in the law that tells me that i can keep them from mining. >> reporter: until there is a big accident. then everyone pays. >> i get concerned and upset anytime we have a violation. and when something like this happens, this devastates our state. >> reporter: i sense a certain frustration. >> perhaps. i'm frustrated anytime these kinds of things happen. and i'm frustrated when i know that we're trying and it still