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DOL/MSHA

RIN: 1219-AA81

Publication ID: Spring 1997

Title: Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Pneumoconiosis Among Coal Miners
Abstract: The Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 established the first comprehensive respirable dust standards for coal mines. These standards were designed to reduce the incidence of coal workers' pneumoconiosis ("black lung") and silicosis and eventually eliminate these diseases. While significant progress has been made toward improving the health conditions in our Nation's coal mines, miners continue to be at risk of developing occupational lung disease, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). In January 1995, the Secretary of Labor established an advisory committee to make recommendations for the elimination of black lung and silicosis among coal miners. The advisory committee convened in February 1996, concluded its series of 5 public meetings in July 1996, and in November 1996, the Advisory Committee submitted its report to the Secretary. The report contained numerous recommendations directed toward elimination of coal workers pneumoconiosis and silicosis. MSHA has completed a preliminary review of the Advisory Committee's recommendations. There are 20 principal recommendations. These recommendations are both extensive and significant, and warrant thorough consideration by the Agency. MSHA is consequently proceeding with an in-depth evaluation of the recommendations and will respond to them in an orderly fashion. Some of the recommendations can be implemented through internal administrative policy; while action on other recommendations may require rulemaking. MSHA is also considering actions other than rulemaking. MSHA will notify the mining community as it makes determinations regarding implementation of the Advisory Committee recommendations.
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL)	Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 30 CFR 70 30 CFR 71 30 CFR 90
Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 30 USC 812 5 USC app

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
Availability of Recommendations	11/26/1996	61 FR 60120
Agency Response to Advisory Committee Recommendations	01/24/1997	62 FR 3717
Issue Policy Document Phase 1	04/00/1997
NPRM - Phase 2	07/00/1997

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes	Government Levels Affected: None
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes
Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration Room 631, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-3939 Phone:202 693-9440 Fax:202 693-9441 Email: silvey.patricia@dol.gov