Posts Tagged ‘black lung disease’
Fighting for breath: Miners and advocates take their plea for stronger black lung protections from the coalfields to the Capitol
Coal miners and advocates rally for long-promised silica protections to stop the rise of black lung across Appalachia.
Read MoreCoal miners, advocates rally in Washington, D.C. to protest attacks on black lung and miner protections
Today, more than 80 coal miners, members of Black Lung Associations, and other supporters rallied outside of the Department of Labor building in Washington, D.C., to protest the delay in implementing long-awaited silica dust protections for coal miners, along with funding and staffing cuts to mine safety and research.
Read MoreMiners and supporters will rally to demand safeguards from black lung disease on Oct. 14
On Oct. 14, coal miners, members of the Black Lung Association and their supporters will rally in front of the Department of Labor’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., in opposition to the department’s delayed enforcement of silica dust protections for miners.
Read MoreMore coal miner lives in jeopardy as silica safeguard delayed yet again
Measures that prevent deadly silica dust exposure among coal miners are indefinitely delayed, as coal industry lawyers and the Trump Administration’s Mine Safety and Health Administration reportedly continue to negotiate a settlement to the industry’s case to block safeguards that were initially scheduled to come into effect on April 14.
Read MoreThe state of coal community protections 48 years after landmark mining law
On Aug. 3, 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act into law. This anniversary presents a good opportunity to discuss SMCRA’s intent, where it’s fallen short over the years and how the Trump administration is undermining SMCRA’s protections.
Read MoreProvision to block silica standard included in new appropriations bill
The House Appropriations Committee has included a provision in the annual appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education that would block funding for the recently finalized rule to protect miners from silica dust — a significant driver of the resurgence of black lung disease in Central Appalachia.
Read MoreRegulators Poised to Update Miners’ Protections from Silica Dust
Expected new silica dust regulations in mines could combat the rise of black lung disease. However, the effects of an ongoing federal silica enforcement initiative remain unclear.
Read MoreCDC shares new research: For miners, death rate from lung disease is higher than ever before
On Monday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared a new study that sounds a clear alarm bell to leaders across the country about the dire need for a renewed focus on safeguarding the health of coal miners across the country.
Read MoreCrowded lame duck session in D.C. brings dangers and opportunities for Appalachian communities
With just a few weeks remaining in this session of Congress, we’re fighting one alarming bill, working to pass two positive measures, and urging the Senate to confirm key appointments. Our Legislative Director Chelsea Barnes shares what’s happening on Capitol Hill.
Read MoreBills Aim to Help Miners with Black Lung and Surviving Family Access Benefits
Miners with black lung disease face a difficult process to obtain modest benefits, as do their widows. Two bills in Congress aim to help miners with the disease and their bereaved families, including by tying benefit levels to inflation.
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