Sen. Rockefeller recounts ‘black lung’ efforts

Bluefield, WV – Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) met with miners, stakeholders, and miner safety and health advocates on Sept. 5 to discuss ending “black lung” – a deadly but preventable lung disease also known as coal workers’ pneumoconiosis.

Rockefeller solicited ideas for protecting miners and touted recent efforts he has made, including introducing the Black Lung Health Improvements Act (S. 1416) and calling on President Barack Obama to move forward with legislation related to black lung and proximity detection systems.

Attendees described the dangers of coal dust and difficulty they faced applying for black lung medical benefits, according to a report from the Charleston Gazette.