FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, NW, SUITE 520N

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20004-1710

SECRETARY OF LABOR,                           :

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH                  :

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA)                     :                                

                                                                          :           Docket No. EAJA 2015-1-M

                        v.                                              :                                

                                                                          :                                

PORTABLE, INC.                                          :                                

BEFORE:  Althen, Acting Chairman; Jordan, Young, and Cohen, Commissioners

ORDER OF DISMISSAL

BY THE COMMISSION:

            This proceeding involves an application for an award of attorney’s fees and expenses under the Equal Access to Justice Act (“EAJA”).  5 U.S.C. § 504.  Portable, Inc., prevailed   over the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration in a penalty proceeding under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C. § 801 et seq. (2012).  The Commission Administrative Law Judge vacated the citation at issue.  36 FMSHRC 3249  (Dec. 2014) (ALJ).  Portable then filed an EAJA application on the ground that the Secretary  of Labor’s position was not substantially justified.  The Judge held that the Secretary’s position was not substantially justified and granted the $62,217.82 award requested in the application.  37 FMSHRC 1405 (July 2015) (ALJ).  The Secretary filed a petition for discretionary review, which the Commission granted.

The Secretary and Portable have filed a joint motion to dismiss notifying the Commission that the parties have reached a complete resolution of this matter through settlement.  See 29 C.F.R. § 2704.305. 

            Upon consideration of the settlement and joint motion filed by the parties, the motion is GRANTED and this proceeding is DISMISSED.

/s/ William I. Althen

                                                                        William I. Althen, Acting Chairman

/s/ Mary Lu Jordan

                                                                                    Mary Lu Jordan, Commissioner

/s/ Michael G. Young

                                                                                    Michael G. Young, Commissioner

/s/ Robert F. Cohen, Jr.

                                                                        Robert F. Cohen, Jr., Commissioner