Congress intended that the imposition of civil penalties would induce mine operators to be proactive in their approach to mine safety and health, and take necessary action to prevent safety and health hazards before they occur. The assessment of civil penalties is a key component in MSHA’s strategy to enforce safety and health standards. MSHA published a proposed rule that would revise the process for proposing civil penalties. The proposed rule also included three alternatives on the scope of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission’s review of proposed penalties to improve the consistence and predictability of civil penalty assessments. MSHA is withdrawing the proposed rule in response to comments recommending that MSHA retain the existing process for proposing civil penalties.  Although MSHA is withdrawing the proposed rule, the Agency will continue to focus on inspector training to improve the efficiency of the Agency's efforts and to facilitate the resolution of enforcement issues.