Rockefeller Introduces Black Lung Legislation

Senator Jay Rockefeller co-sponsored legislation to address barriers and delays miners face when seeking benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Program.

The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2014 was introduced by Rockefeller and Senator Bob Casey from Pennsylvania. Senators Joe Manchin as well as Representatives Nick Rahall co-sponsored the bill.

It would require full medical disclosures be made available to all parties, provide miners to better legal representation, and create a pilot program to provide chest x-ray diagnoses—among other things.

In a press release Rockefeller said the bill addresses systematic barriers that many miners face when applying for and litigating claims under the current Black Lung program.