Fight to Help Coal Miners Sees Ups and Downs

As federal legislation that would make it easier for coal miners with black lung disease to obtain benefits remains pending, federal agencies are making progress on protecting coal miners’ health. A new rule enacted by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration requires operators of underground mines to provide some miners with personal dust monitors that measure dust in real time. Miners can find out how much dust they are exposed to throughout their shift and take action to avoid overexposure. The new rule took effect on Feb. 1, after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Cir...