MSHA announces public hearings for proposed black lung rule

The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration has announced six public hearings for discussion of the Obama administration's proposal to end black lung disease among coal miners. "This proposed rule would significantly improve health protections for underground and surface coal miners by reducing their occupational exposure to respirable coal mine dust," Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health, said in a news release. "It will lower the risk that they will suffer material impairment of health or functional capacity over their working lives." (Read more)

You can see the list of public hearings below:

• Dec. 7, 2010 -- National Mine Health and Safety Academy -- Beaver, W.Va.
• Dec. 9, 2010 -- The George Washington Hotel -- Washington, Pa.
• Jan. 11, 2011 -- Marriott Evansville Airport -- Evansville, Ind.


• Jan. 13, 2011 -- Sheraton Birmingham -- Birmingham, Ala.


• Jan. 25, 2011 -- Marriott Salt Lake City -- Salt Lake City, Utah


• Jan. 27, 2011 -- Mine Safety and Health Administration -- Arlington, Va.