MSHA Announces Scheduling Changes Related to Public Hearings on Coal Mine Dust Rule

ARLINGTON, Va. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration today released an updated list of public hearings on the proposed rule "Lowering Miners' Exposure to Respirable Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors.” The amended notice is available in today's Federal Register, and a copy is available at http://www.msha.gov/REGS/FEDREG/PROPOSED/2010PROP/2010-30099.asp. This notice indicates changes to the dates of the Washington, Pa., and Arlington, Va., hearings, as well as the addition of a seventh location in Prestonsburg, Ky. 

The proposed rule was published Oct. 19 and is available at http://www.msha.gov/REGS/FEDREG/PROPOSED/2010Prop/2010-25249.pdf. 

Each of the public hearings will begin at 9 a.m. local time and end after the last presenter speaks, but no later than 5 p.m., on the following dates at the locations indicated:

Each hearing will begin with an opening statement from MSHA, followed by an opportunity for members of the public to make oral presentations. A written request is not required to speak; however, individuals and representatives of organizations wishing to speak are encouraged to notify MSHA in advance for scheduling purposes by calling 202-693-9440.

MSHA will accept post-hearing written comments and other appropriate information for the record from any interested party, including those not p