MSHA delays enforcement of silica rule for coal mines
On April 8, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) announced they are delaying enforcement of the silica rule for coal mines until August 2025. MSHA cited the Department of Health and Human Services’ dismantling of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health as reason for the pause.
In June 2024, the Biden administration finalized the silica rule for coal and other mines, which lowers the permissible exposure limit of respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air for a full-shift exposure. Studies have linked exposure to silica to lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease. Exposure to coal mine dust containing silica has been found to lead to black lung disease and progressive massive fibrosis. Compliance for coal mine operators was set to go into effect on April 14, but a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary stay on April 4, 2025. Compliance for metal and nonmetal mines goes into effect in April 2026.
Impact: The Mine Safety and Health Administration estimates that the silica rule for mines would prevent more than 1,000 deaths and 3,700 cases of silica-related illnesses. Delaying the enforcement of this rule increases the risk of coal miners being exposed to silica dust.
https://www.epi.org/policywatch/msha-delays-enforcement-of-silica-rule-for-coal-mines/
The Trump administration wants more coal but doesn't want to make mining it safer.