The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration has introduced stricter limits on silica dust exposure to protect miners from black lung and other diseases, but its implementation faces funding obstacles in Congress.
Emily Rice reports for the Pulitzer Center in partnership with West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
In short:
- The MSHA’s new rule cuts permissible silica dust levels to 50 micrograms per cubic meter and mandates corrective action.
- The U.S. House passed a bill that defunds the rule’s enforcement, raising concerns about miners' health.
- Some lawmakers and advocates worry mine operators may find ways to evade reporting dangerous dust levels.
Key quote:
“We’re moving full steam ahead to implement this rule.”
— Chris Williamson, Assistant Secretary of MSHA
Why this matters:
Silica dust exposure can cause severe lung diseases like black lung, and miners are at high risk. Funding cuts may hinder enforcement, threatening miners' health despite the new rule’s potential.
