Advocates Fight for Increased Federal Investments to Tackle Growing Black Lung Crisis
Contact: Trey Pollard – trey@pollardcommunications.com
COAL COUNTRY – Coal miners are facing an epidemic as black lung disease has hit unprecedented levels, with the incidence rate doubling nationwide since 2000 and 1 in 5 veteran coal miners in Central Appalachia now suffering from the disease. With the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) set to release a new standard to curb the silica dust exposure that is behind much of the resurgence of the disease, advocates in coal mining regions are urging Congress to provide adequate funding to back the implementation of the forthcoming rule and support other efforts to protect and support miners with black lung.
In a letter to congressional appropriations committee leaders sent today, 22 local, regional, and national organizations pushed for FY25 legislation that prioritizes investments in curbing black lung and supporting miners already living with the disease. The requests come amid dangerous efforts by Rep. Scott Perry. R-Penn, to cut all funding for MSHA’s new silica dust rule, which would effectively render that life-saving policy completely toothless.
“We were appalled by the amendment introduced by Representative Perry during the FY24 appropriations process that would have blocked MSHA from implementing the silica rule. Rather, Congress should be doing all it can to stop the black lung epidemic,” reads the letter.
Advocates identified three key areas for funding in the FY25 appropriations process:
- Fulfilling MSHA’s FY25 budget request at $406.5 million, particularly to support the implementation of the new silica dust limits;
- Maintained funding for federal black lung clinics at $12.19 million;
- Support for the Center for Disease Control’s Occupational Safety & Health Budget at $363.2 million;
In addition, the advocates urge Congress to take action to adjust how monthly black lung benefit rates are calculated. Currently tied to the federal pay scale rather than the cost of living, benefit rates are substantially lower than the cost of living in many coal mining communities, as indicated by recent research from Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center and Appalachian Voices.
“The benefits for a miner and a dependent in 2024 is $1,159 a month — more than $3,000 lower than the average cost of living for two people in coal communities like Indiana County, Pennsylvania; Pike County, Kentucky; and Kanawha County, West Virginia,” reads the letter. “The fix is simple. Congress simply needs to tie black lung benefit adjustments to the cost of living rather than the federal pay scale.”
While Congress has only recently advanced funding to keep the government open in 2024, the FY25 budget process is nearly in full swing. Today’s letter is signed by groups including the National Black Lung Association, the Respiratory Health Association, the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, ReImagine Appalachia, and the Citizens Coal Council.
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