Meetings Underway to Discuss New Coal Dust Rules

Federal mine safety officials are holding the first of several meetings on the Obama administration’s new coal dust rule in Beaver, West Virginia.

The Labor Department’s Mine Safety and Health Administration meets with industry representatives Thursday morning at the National Mine Health and Safety Academy. 

Federal officials will highlight major provisions and effective dates of the rule and describe best practices for controlling dust and reducing exposure. They also will provide materials to help the industry comply.

The administration announced last month that it’s cutting the amount of coal dust allowed in coal mines in an effort to help reduce black lung disease. Officials say the disease has caused or contributed to the deaths of 76,000 miners since 1968.