Posts Tagged ‘Mine Safety and Health Administration’
Appalachian Voices statement on partial government shutdown
At Appalachian Voices, we believe that no matter our income level, the color of our skin or whether we live in a holler or a city, everyone deserves a safe community, clean air and water, safety on the job, and the basic constitutional protections at the foundation of our democracy. We urge our country’s leaders to work together to ensure that all of these rights are protected.
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 MoreAppalachian Voices applauds Senate Appropriations Committee for pushing back against cuts for black lung and miner safety programs
Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to advance its Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2026 funding bill. The package includes funding for mine safety and black lung programs.
Read MoreHow the Trump plan for the federal budget hurts Appalachia
Late afternoon on Friday, May 30, President Donald Trump released his proposed fiscal year 2026 government funding budget, which includes steep cuts that would have serious consequences for Appalachians and people in coal communities across the country if enacted.
Read MoreAmid intense grassroots pressure, General Services Administration reverses closures of MSHA field offices
Reports indicated that the General Services Administration reversed its intent to close more than 30 U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration field offices. These leases were scheduled to be terminated due to decisions by the controversial Department of Government Efficiency.
Read MoreAssault on coal miners continues as MSHA halts enforcement of life-saving silica dust safeguard
Today, the Trump administration’s Mine Safety and Health Administration announced it was temporarily halting enforcement of new life-saving measures that prevent deadly silica dust exposure among miners.
Read MoreTrump administration cutting vital health and safety services for miners
Coal miners, families and advocates were still trying to figure out what the termination of leases for dozens of Mine Safety and Health Administration offices by Elon Musk’s DOGE meant for the work of mine safety inspectors when even worse news came.
Read MoreRule to protect miners from silica falls short
In April, the Mine Safety and Health Administration announced the final version of a rule meant to protect coal miners from respirable silica. The announcement was a long time coming.
Read MoreAppalachian Voices sees a missed opportunity with new rule to protect miners from black lung disease
Yesterday the Biden administration’s Mine Safety and Health Administration announced that it finalized a rule to protect miners from respirable silica — a significant driver of the resurgence of black lung disease in Central Appalachia.
Read MoreWhat the government spending fight means for Appalachia
Leaders in the Senate and the House need to come together to negotiate a final deal in order to keep the government funded. Appalachian Voices will keep fighting to fund these crucial programs and agencies to help protect coal mining communities and transition to clean energy.
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