MSHAProposed Rule
Diesel Particulate Matter Emission Limits in Underground Coal Mines
Labor & WorkplaceEnvironmentEnergyHealthcare
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Summary
The federal government is proposing new rules to limit harmful diesel exhaust particles in underground coal mines, where workers are exposed to dangerous air quality. These limits aim to protect miners' health from breathing in diesel fumes that can cause serious lung diseases.
Key Points
- 1The rule sets maximum allowable levels of diesel particulate matter (soot and particles) that can be in the air inside underground coal mines
- 2Coal miners and mine operators are the primary groups affected, as they must comply with stricter air quality standards
- 3The rule targets diesel equipment like trucks and generators commonly used underground, requiring either new equipment or pollution control upgrades
- 4Public comment period runs from July 1 to August 1, 2025, allowing miners, companies, and concerned citizens to submit feedback before the rule becomes final
- 5The goal is to reduce respiratory diseases and lung damage among the roughly 70,000 underground coal miners in the United States
Key Dates
Published
July 1, 2025
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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