Coal Company Seeks Tweak to Mine Safety Rules for Efficiency
Published Date: 1/12/2026
Notice
Summary
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company asked to change some mine safety rules to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. This change could affect how safety standards apply at their mines, and everyone has until February 11, 2026, to share their thoughts. The goal? Keep miners safe while possibly making safety checks easier or more efficient, without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Request to Use Non‑Permissible Test Gear
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company asked MSHA to allow battery-powered, non‑permissible testing and diagnostic equipment to be used in return air outby the last open crosscut at the Harvey Mine (MSHA ID 36-10045) under a petition to modify 30 CFR 75.507-1(a). The petition specifically lists vibration analyzers (Emerson AMS 2140; Bentley Nevada vb7; Bentley Nevada Scout 100 EX; Bentley Nevada Commtest Scout 140, VBX and Scout Unit) and also seeks permission for laptops, oscilloscopes, cable fault detectors, infrared and point temperature probes, ultrasonic devices, electronic component testers, and electronic tachometers.
Safety Conditions: Methane Monitoring and Exams
If the modification is granted, the petition requires that non‑permissible electronic testing equipment be examined by a qualified person before use and that those exam results be recorded in the weekly examination book. It also requires continuous methane monitoring immediately before and during use and says equipment must not be used when methane is at or above 1%; if 1% or more methane is detected while equipment is in use it must be de‑energized and withdrawn.
Training and Notice Requirements
The petitioner must post the petition on mine bulletin boards and other conspicuous places at all mines to which it applies for at least 60 consecutive days and make a copy available to miners' representatives. The petitioner also must include the listed terms and conditions in initial and annual Part 48 refresher training so miners know the stipulations.
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!
2026-15141, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about safety programs for surface mobile equipment used in mines. This helps make sure workers stay safe while keeping paperwork easy and clear. If you’re involved with mining equipment, you can share your thoughts by September 25, 2026—no extra costs or big changes are planned right now.
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.
2026-15140, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Sealing of Abandoned Areas
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about sealing off abandoned mine areas to keep miners safe. They’re asking for public feedback by September 25, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too much work. This extension won’t add extra costs but helps keep safety rules up to date for everyone involved in mining.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00348, Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company wants to change some safety rules for their mine to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. This petition affects miners at their Pennsylvania site and asks for approval by February 11, 2026. If approved, the company might save time or money while still protecting workers.
Next: 2026-00350, Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company wants to change some safety rules at their mine to use a different method that keeps workers just as safe. This petition asks the Mine Safety and Health Administration to approve the change, which could affect how safety checks are done and might save time or money. Everyone has until February 11, 2026, to share their thoughts before a decision is made.