Coal miners, family members, and union representatives gathered outside the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, urging for the enforcement of a rule intended to protect miners from health issues, which has been delayed.
The rally, involving the National Black Lung Association and the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), aimed to spotlight the impact of lax exposure standards to harmful substances on workers and demand stricter protections.
A new rule effective from June 2024, aims to limit miners’ exposure to silica dust, a hazardous byproduct of mining, which can lead to black lung disease, silicosis, and lung cancer.
“Without enforcement, it’s an early death sentence for miners,” said Vonda Robinson, vice president of the National Black Lung Association, highlighting premature deaths among miners.
The rule mandates mining companies to halve permissible silica exposure, monitor worker exposure, provide free health exams, and update respiratory protection standards.
Robinson’s husband, diagnosed with black lung at 47, is now fully disabled. Rally attendees showed personal stakes, with some carrying oxygen machines and others displaying photos of deceased loved ones.
The incidence of black lung has risen over the past 20 years, impacting one in five miners with over 25 years of experience in central Appalachia, according to UMWA.
Coal mines were to comply with the rule by April 2025, but the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) postponed this by four months, citing NIOSH restructuring and technical issues for the delay.
Legal challenges from industry groups led the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to halt the rule’s enforcement. NMA spokesperson Ashley Burke stated support for lower silica levels but emphasized the need for alignment with OSHA’s methods.
Critics argue that temporary measures like rotating shifts and respirators are inadequate, pushing for engineering controls such as ventilation to meet exposure limits.
MSHA opted not to defend the rule, seeking a potential settlement with industry groups and requesting the court to deny intervention attempts by health organizations.
Following a government shutdown, the administration requested a third court delay, causing concern among rally attendees about backsliding on promises to coal workers.
President Trump, a staunch supporter of the coal industry, has advocated for increased production. His administration’s policies have favored the coal sector, drawing criticism for neglecting miner health and safety.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly emphasized Trump’s commitment to America’s energy potential and coal miners. However, Jason Walsh of the BlueGreen Alliance criticized Trump’s rhetoric as insincere, claiming he prioritizes industry profits over miners’ welfare.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org