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Statement of Need: As a result of the first partial settlement with the litigants, MSHA published two documents in the Federal Register on July 5, 2001. One document delayed the effective date of 57.5066(b) regarding the tagging provisions of the maintenance standard; clarified the effective dates of certain provisions of the final rule; and gave correction amendments (66 FR 35518). The second document was a proposed rule to clarify 57.5066(b)(1) and (b)(2) of the maintenance standards and to add a new paragraph (b)(3) to 57.5067 regarding the transfer of existing diesel equipment from one underground mine to another underground mine (66 FR 35521). The final rule on these issues was published February 27, 2002, and became effective March 29, 2002. As a result of the second partial settlement agreement, MSHA proposed specific changes to the 2001 DPM final rule. On September 25, 2002, MSHA published an ANPRM. In response to commenters, MSHA proposed and finalized changes only to the interim DPM standard of 400 micrograms per cubic meter of air. MSHA also committed to proposing a rule to revise the final DPM limit of 160 micrograms per cubic meter of air.

Summary of the Legal Basis: Promulgation of this regulation is authorized by sections 101 and 103 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.

Alternatives: This rulemaking would amend and improve health protection from that afforded by the existing standard.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: MSHA's preliminary economic analysis indicates that making the changes under consideration would result in a net cost savings to the mining industry.

Risks: A number of epidemiological studies have found that exposure to diesel exhaust presents potential health risks to miners. These potential adverse health effects range from headaches and nausea to respiratory disease and cancer. In the confined space of the underground mining environment, occupational exposure to diesel exhaust may present a greater hazard due to ventilation limitations and the presence of other airborne contaminants, such as toxic mine dusts or mine gases. MSHA believe that the health evidence forms a reasonable basis for reducing miners' exposure to diesel particulate matter. Proceeding with rulemaking on the provisions discussed above will more effectively reduce miners' exposure to DPM.