Coal news and updates

Federal rule that sets new limitations on country’s coal mines takes effect

The new rule will limit the amount of time miners can spend around silica dust.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - A new federal regulation went into effect Monday that sets new standards for coal mining across the country.

The new rule will limit the amount of time miners can spend around silica dust. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the rule lowers the permissible exposure to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air for a full 8 hour shift.

It’s up to the mining companies to take corrective actions if the threshold is met.

Silica dust is a known carcinogen and is linked to black lung, an incurable lung disease. It’s different than coal dust, which carries its own dangers.

Congressman Morgan McGarvey of Louisville spoke with reporters Monday about the rule, which comes from the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

”Imagine any industry here in Louisville, Kentucky where 20% of people went to work every day were going to contract a non-curable disease where they couldn’t breathe and were ultimately going to die,” said McGarvey. “We would do something about it.”

A representative from the United Mine Workers of America, the largest miners union in North America, said this is a big day for the industry.

“I think [miners] realize this is in their best interest,” said UMWA International District 12 Vice President Steve Earle. “This means these miners will not be breathing in this silica dust particles that get in their lungs, killing these miners at a young age.”

The new rule is being challenged in federal court by opponents.