Regulations Implementing the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, as Amended

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On January 22, 1997, the Department issued a proposed rule to amend the regulations implementing the Black Lung Benefits Act. The Department initially allowed interested parties until March 24, 1997 to file comments, but extended that deadline twice. When the comment period finally closed on August 21, 1997, the Department had received almost 200 written submissions from coal miners, coal mine operators, insurers, physicians, and attorneys. In addition, the Department held two hearings, one on June 19, 1997 in Charleston, West Virginia, and another on July 22-23, 1997 in Washington, D.C. Over 50 people testified at the Department's hearings. In total, the Department heard from over 100 former coal miners and members of their families, over 50 coal mine operators and insurance companies that provide black lung benefits insurance, eight physicians, eight attorneys representing both claimants and coal mine operators, nine legislators at the federal and state levels, and groups as diverse as the United Mine Workers of America, the National Black Lung Association, the National Mining Association, the American Insurance Association, and the American Bar Association. The Department has re