The Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center and Appalachian Voices released a report that shows benefits paid to miners with black lung, and their families, have fallen behind the cost of living and rising inflation.
As the long-awaited rule from the Mine Safety and Health Administration to protect coal miners from exposure to respirable silica goes through the Office of Management and Budget, the connection between new mining technologies and methods, toxic silica dust, and the resurgence of black lung is increasing the urgency for action.