Coal Firm Petitions for Alternative Mine Safety Method Approval
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 could affect how safety is managed at their mines and might save time or money without risking anyone’s well-being. Everyone has until February 11, 2026, to share their thoughts on this petition.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Request to Use Non‑Permissible Diagnostic Gear
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company asked MSHA to modify 30 CFR 75.500(d) to allow battery‑powered, non‑permissible testing and diagnostic equipment to be used in or inby the last open crosscut at the Enlow Fork Mine in Washington County, Pennsylvania. The petition specifically lists vibration analyzers (Emerson AMS 2140; Bentley Nevada vb7, Scout 100 EX, Commtest Scout 140/VBX/Scout) and also mentions laptops, oscilloscopes, cable fault detectors, temperature probes, infrared devices, signal analyzers, ultrasonic devices, electronic component testers, and tachometers.
Safety Conditions If Equipment Use Is Approved
The petitioner proposes specific safety controls to be required if non‑permissible equipment is allowed: qualified‑person examinations before use with results recorded in the weekly examination book; continuous qualified methane monitoring immediately before and during use; immediate de‑energizing and withdrawal of equipment if methane is detected at or above 1%; use of MSHA‑approved handheld methane detectors maintained per 30 CFR 75.320; suspension of coal production except for troubleshooting while testing; liberal rock dusting of the test area; and inclusion of the petition terms in initial and annual refresher Part 48 training. The petitioner also requires posting the petition at the mines for not less than 60 consecutive days (it was posted October 3, 2025).
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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!
2026-10858 — Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Records of Tests and Examinations of Personnel Hoisting Equipment
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting records about tests and checks on hoisting equipment used to lift miners safely. This proposal asks for public feedback by July 31, 2026, to make sure the paperwork is clear and not too much work. If you work with mining equipment, this affects you, but no new costs or big changes are planned—just a smooth extension of current rules.
2026-10859 — Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Representative of Miners, Notification of Legal Identity, and Notification of Commencement of Operations and Closing of Mines
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info from mine operators and miner reps about who’s in charge, when mines open or close, and legal details. This helps keep mines safe and organized without adding extra paperwork. If you’re involved with mines, you can share your thoughts by July 31, 2026—no extra fees or big changes, just a smooth info update!
2026-09115 — Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Qualification and Certification Program Request for MSHA Individual Identification Number (MIIN)
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) wants to keep collecting info for their Qualification and Certification Program, which helps track miners with a special ID number called MIIN. This affects miners and companies who need these IDs to work safely and legally. They’re asking for public feedback by July 7, 2026, and there’s no new cost or big changes—just a smooth extension to keep things running.
2026-06584 — Lowering Miners' Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica and Improving Respiratory Protection; Delay of Effective Date of Conforming Amendments
Miners working with metal and nonmetal materials won’t see new silica dust rules take effect on April 8, 2026, because a court has paused the changes. This delay means current safety rules stay in place while the court reviews the case, giving mining companies more time to prepare. No new costs or changes will happen until the court lifts the hold.
2026-06513 — Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Modification Granted in Whole or in Part
Mine operators and miner reps asked MSHA to approve new ways to keep mines safe between July and December 2025. MSHA reviewed these requests and said yes to some, as long as safety stays top-notch or improves. These changes might affect how mines work but won’t cut corners on safety, and you can check the full details online or in person.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00352 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC asked to change some mine safety rules to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. This change could affect how safety is managed at their mine and might save time or money. Everyone has until February 11, 2026, to share their thoughts on this petition.
Next: 2026-00355 — Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology
The Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology (VCAT) will hold a public virtual meeting on February 11-12, 2026, to review NIST’s programs, budget, and priorities. This affects tech industries and anyone interested in U.S. innovation policies. The committee will share early recommendations for their 2025 annual report, with a chance for public input by February 3.