Trump Administration Cuts Threaten Black Lung Programs Nationwide

Federal programs designed to protect coal miners from black lung disease, such as the Mine Safety and Health Administration's Part 90 program and NIOSH's surveillance initiatives, are being halted or scaled back due to mass layoffs and funding cuts under President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. These cuts have led to the suspension of programs that relocate miners diagnosed with black lung to safer jobs at the same pay and have disrupted critical health screenings and research into miner safety. Union representatives and public health advocates warn that these reductions will put miners' health at greater risk, especially as mining activities persist or expand without corresponding safety protections. The closures and layoffs threaten not only the immediate well-being of miners but also the long-term research and certification of protective equipment crucial for occupational health. Critics argue that the rollback of these safety nets could cause a resurgence of black lung and related illnesses among coal workers. The fate of miner health programs remains uncertain as offices close and essential functions are consolidated or eliminated.