GAO Report Finds Proposal To Lower Dust Exposure Limit in Mines Supported By Substantial Scientific Evidence
The U.S. Government Accountability Office issued a report earlier this week finding that a federal proposal to lower coal miners’ exposure to the dust that can cause black lung disease is supported by substantial scientific evidence. The GAO conducted the study at Congress’s request and its findings echo the conclusions of a report that GAO issued in 2012. The proposal seeks to lower exposure limits by cutting the amount of dust that is permitted in a mine’s air in half as well as requiring mines use a monitor providing continuous information about the levels of dust. The Mine Safety and Health Administration proposed the rule in 2010 and the White House Office of Management and Budget is currently reviewing the rule. A copy of the proposed rule is available here.
