Coal Mines Get a Break on Diesel Smoke Rules Update
Published Date: 7/1/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
MSHA wants to update rules about diesel pollution in underground coal mines by removing old limits on diesel engine emissions. This change helps mine operators by making rules simpler without lowering safety for miners. The update affects anyone running diesel equipment underground and aims to keep miners safe while cutting red tape.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Streamlined rules for mine operators
If you operate diesel equipment in an underground coal mine, MSHA proposes removing outdated diesel particulate matter (DPM) emission limit requirements in 30 CFR part 72. The change is intended to streamline requirements for underground coal mine operators while keeping miner protections the same.
Miner protections remain unchanged
If you work with diesel equipment in an underground coal mine, MSHA says the revisions would remove certain DPM emission limits but maintain the same level of protections for miners. The removal applies to permissible diesel-powered equipment and non-permissible heavy-duty diesel-powered equipment operated underground.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-11646 — Improving and Eliminating Regulations; Use of Permissible Flame Safety Lamps in Underground Coal Mines
MSHA is updating rules to stop allowing old-fashioned flame safety lamps in underground coal mines. This change affects miners and mine operators by removing outdated gear while keeping everyone just as safe. The update saves time and money by focusing on modern, reliable equipment without changing safety levels.
Next: 2025-11648 — Improving and Eliminating Regulations; Approved Conveyor Belts in Underground Coal Mines
MSHA is updating rules about conveyor belts in underground coal mines to make things simpler and faster for mine operators. They’re removing old, unnecessary steps but still keeping miners safe. These changes will save time and hassle without costing extra money.