As coal miners with black lung disease have a heightened risk of complications from coronavirus, black lung healthcare providers work to respond to the global pandemic.
Blog Archives
Progress on healthcare for miners with black lung disease
Congress reinstated a tax to fund healthcare and benefits for miners with black lung and their families for 2020 — but further action is needed to extend the tax and support the fund for 10 years.
Miners Take Black Lung Demands to D.C.
Approximately 150 Appalachian coal miners, widows and their loved ones visited Capitol Hill in July to demand that Congress reinstate a tax rate on coal companies for black lung healthcare and benefits.
Miners Pressure Congress for Pension Fix
Dozens of retired coal miners came to the capitol and called on Washington lawmakers to pass legislation to preserve pensions for tens of thousands of retired and working miners.
Westmoreland Coal Allowed to Sever Worker Agreements
In February, a federal judge allowed Westmoreland Coal Company to terminate benefits for current and retired coal miners.
Blair Mountain Returns to National Register of Historic Places
The site of West Virginia’s Blair Mountain labor conflict between coal miners and law enforcement was placed back on the National Register of Historic Places after a federal judge ruled its delisting to be unlawful.
Black Lung Disease Surges as Support for Miners Dwindles
A recent study shows that black lung disease in Appalachian coal miners is at a 25-year high — but federal taxes on coal companies that help compensate affected miners are set to expire next year.
Mine Safety, Water Quality Targeted in West Virginia Bills
Bills before the West Virginia legislature threaten to diminish mine safety and water quality protections. The measures were proposed by industry groups.
Retired Miners Face Possible Loss of Benefits
Retired coal miners face possible loss of benefits, a Duke University study reveals coal ash byproducts in area fish, The U.S. State Department approves the Keystone XL pipeline and other shorts from The Energy Report.
Miners Protection Act Advances
Union coal miners, retirees and their families are one step closer to securing their pensions and benefits as the U.S. Senate Finance Committee approves the Miners Protection Act.
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