Proposed Republican Bill Would Defund Efforts to Stymie Black Lung

Black lung occurs from exposure to coal dust and other chemicals that coat the lung and create respiratory problems. (Via TAHB)

July 19, 2012 — On the heels of reports that Black Lung is increasing in prevalence, a new bill will defund research on the disease. Black Lung is a serious disease that is contracted through heavy exposure to mine dust. The mining industry continues to flourish, but recent reports of younger miners in the latest stages of Black Lung have prompted the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to propose a number of rules ensuring the safety of all miners.

This week, Republican lawmakers who serve on the House Appropriations Committee added language to the Labor Department’s 2013 appropriations bill that would prevent funding toward stifling the occurrence of Black Lung. The proviso reads as follows: “none of the funds made available by this Act may be used to continue the development of or to promulgate, administer, enforce, or otherwise implement the Lowering Miners’ Exposure to Coal Mine Dust.”

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) needs to issue a report supporting the evidence found by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), saying the disease has indeed seen worse diagnoses in the past decade. Once the GAO report is made further discussion about the legislation is possible. In the meantime, House Democrats have encouraged Republicans to reconsider their stance, as the lives of miners should be held above partisanship.

– K. Howitt