Author: Sydney Boles

Federal Agency to Hear Comments on Silica Dust as Black Lung Epidemic Rages

This article was originally published by Ohio Valley ReSource. The Mine Safety and Health Administration will host a public meeting Thursday as it considers action on regulating respirable silica, one of the major contributors to Appalachia’s skyrocketing rates of black lung disease.  MSHA issued a request for information in response […]

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Blackjewel Miners Likely to Receive Pay in DOL Deal

This article was originally published by Ohio Valley ReSource. The Department of Labor and a company associated with Blackjewel agreed this week to put nearly $5.75 million toward coal miners left unpaid in the company’s chaotic bankruptcy.  The July 1 bankruptcy of one of the nation’s largest coal companies left […]

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Water Is Unaffordable for Nearly Half of This Kentucky County’s Residents

This article was originally published by Ohio Valley ReSource. A new report finds nearly half the residents of Martin County, Kentucky, cannot afford water service. Local activists with the Martin County Concerned Citizens are ringing alarm bells about water affordability as the beleaguered county faces another likely water rate increase […]

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Former Blackjewel Miners End Railroad Blockade in Kentucky

This article was originally published by the Ohio Valley ReSource. The nearly two-month blockade of a Kentucky railroad track is coming to an end as unpaid coal miners end their protest in order to take new jobs, start classes, or move away from their coal-dependent communities.  When coal company Blackjewel abruptly declared bankruptcy in July, […]

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Mining Regulators Seek Information On Silica Dust Exposure

This article was originally published by Ohio Valley ReSource. The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration announced Wednesday it will collect information on how dust from silica, or quartz, has contributed to Appalachia’s worsening epidemic of black lung disease, and ways that mining operations might prevent exposure.  The announcement comes after […]

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