UMWA calls for ‘immediate’ enforcement of silica rule as black lung hits new high in WV, Appalachia

By: Caity Coyne

Outlets: West Virginia Watch

Published: August 14, 2026

Words: 742

Last Updated: 4 days, 15 hours ago

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The United Mine Workers of America made an “urgent demand” of the federal government on Thursday for the “immediate, uncompromised” enforcement of previously approved policies and rules that would protect coal miners from incurable black lung disease.

The call from the UMWA comes after new research this month shows that black lung rates have increased to an almost 50-year high after years of decline, with the highest rates of the disease found in …

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