Rockefeller said that the legislation, if passed, would put into place new respirable coal dust standards for those already suffering in order to reduce exposure.
Additionally, the outlines would increase miners’ access to health records in the black lung claims process and make it easier for miners to access legal representation when operators did not provide benefits.
The act would also create grants for research into the disease; make it easier for long-time miners and their families to collect Black Lung benefits; and require the Government Accountability Office to examine ways to make the claims application process easier to navigate.
“It’s been my mission for nearly 50 years to keep our miners and their families safe, secure and healthy,” Rockefeller said.
“At the very heart of that work is making absolutely sure that no miner is forced to suffer from Black Lung disease – and if they’re suffering, making sure that they get the benefits and care they need to help manage this debilitating condition.”
He noted that there was once a time when black lung, formally known as pneumoconiosis, was thought to be nearly eradicated and about to become a relic of a more dangerous time.
“Tragically, that was wrong,” Rockefeller said.
“After years of decline, black lung cases are rising again in a new generation of miners. We can’t let this happen.”
The legislation is Rockefeller’s third bill in 2013. In March he introduced the Coalfield Accountability and Retired Employee Act to protect the benefits of retirees impacted by Patriot Coal’s bankruptcy proceedings.
The following month, he re-introduced an updated version of his comprehensive mine safety legislation, the Robert C Byrd Mine and Workplace Safety and Health Act.
“This bill is an important next step in our ongoing fight for miners’ health and safety … [b]ut it is not, and should not be the end of Congressional action on black lung,” Rockefeller said.
“These men and women have one of the hardest and most challenging jobs on the planet. It’s a job that requires strength, dedication and courage – and it’s a job that should be met with access to the best health support we can provide.”
