Mines Breathe Easier with Simplified Diesel Dust Regulations
Published Date: 7/1/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
MSHA is updating rules to remove old, confusing limits on diesel dust in underground metal and nonmetal mines. This change helps mine operators by making the rules simpler while still keeping miners safe from harmful diesel particles. The update saves time and effort without costing extra, making mining safer and smoother for everyone involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Simpler diesel rules for mine operators
The rule would remove outdated diesel particulate matter requirements and streamline DPM rules for underground metal and nonmetal mine operators. You (as a mine operator) would spend less time and effort complying because the requirements are simplified, and MSHA says this change does not add extra costs.
Miner protection stays the same
MSHA says the proposed revisions would remove old DPM requirements but maintain the same level of protection for miners in underground metal and nonmetal mines. If you are a miner, this means the rule change is meant to keep your current protections against diesel particulate matter in place.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15717, Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria
In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria."
2026-15670, Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria
In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria."
2026-10456, Department of Labor Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Annual Adjustments for 2026
Good news for businesses and workers: the Department of Labor won’t raise any fines or penalties in 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available. This means all civil penalties stay the same starting May 27, 2026. So, no surprise cost hikes this year—just steady rules and steady fees!
2026-19837, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Certification and Qualification To Examine, Test, Operate Hoists and Perform Other Duties
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info on certifying and qualifying people who operate hoists and do related tasks in mines. This helps keep miners safe by making sure only qualified folks handle this important equipment. They’re asking for public comments by November 30, 2026, and there’s no new cost or big changes—just a smooth extension of the current process.
2026-19266, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Refuse Piles and Impoundment Structures
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about refuse piles and impoundment structures to keep miners safe. They’re asking for public feedback by November 20, 2026, to make sure the paperwork isn’t too much trouble. This update won’t cost extra but helps keep safety rules clear and easy to follow for mining companies.
2026-15139, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation-Belt Entry Used as an Intake Air Course To Ventilate Working Sections and Areas Where Mechanized Mining Equipment Is Being Installed or Removed
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info on how underground coal mines use belt entries for fresh air while installing or removing mining gear. This helps keep miners safe by making sure ventilation rules are followed. If you’re involved in coal mining, you can share your thoughts by September 25, 2026, with no new costs or big changes planned.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-11618, Improving and Eliminating Regulations; Permissible Lamps in Underground Coal Mines
MSHA is updating rules about electric lamps used in underground coal mines to remove confusing, repeated requirements. These changes make the rules clearer without cutting any safety corners, helping miners stay safe while using their lamps. The update affects miners and mine operators and aims to simplify compliance without extra costs or delays.
Next: 2025-11620, Aerial Tramways
MSHA is updating rules about aerial tramways by cutting out repeated and unnecessary parts. This change won’t reduce safety for miners but will make the rules clearer and easier to follow. The update affects companies using aerial tramways and aims to streamline regulations without extra costs or delays.