# 2026-23051: MSHA Retires Underground Coal Mines’ Long-Forgotten Foam Generators

2026-23051, Improving and Eliminating Regulations; Installation of Foam Generator Systems in Underground Coal Mines, is a Federal Register rule from Labor Department, Mine Safety and Health Administration published 2026-11-12, effective 2026-12-14; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-11-12).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-23051
- As of: 2026-11-12
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-23051
- Title: Improving and Eliminating Regulations; Installation of Foam Generator Systems in Underground Coal Mines
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Labor Department; Mine Safety and Health Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 72793
- Published: 2026-11-12
- Effective: 2026-12-14
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: 1219-AC11
- Last updated: 2026-11-12

## In one line

MSHA Retires Underground Coal Mines’ Long-Forgotten Foam Generators

## Summary

MSHA is clearing out old rules about foam generator systems in underground coal mines because these systems are outdated and no longer used. This change affects coal mine operators by removing confusing, unnecessary requirements without cutting any safety protections. The new rule kicks in on December 14, 2026, making mine safety rules simpler and easier to follow.

## Abstract

MSHA is removing outdated requirements regarding the installation of foam generator systems located in underground coal mines. These requirements are being removed from MSHA's regulations because they are no longer applicable.

## Effects PRIA read

- Remove foam-system installation rule: benefit, low. MSHA is removing 30 CFR 75.1101-5, the rule that described how to install fixed automatic foam generator systems in underground coal mines. The change is effective December 14, 2026, and MSHA says foam generator systems are no longer used because water deluge fire-suppression systems are as effecti…
- Miner safety protections preserved: benefit, low. MSHA states that removing Sec. 75.1101-5 will not reduce protections afforded to miners. The final rule keeps existing mine safety protections in place while streamlining regulatory text, effective December 14, 2026.

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## Sources
- [2026-23051 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/11/12/2026-23051/improving-and-eliminating-regulations-installation-of-foam-generator-systems-in-underground-coal)
- [2026-23051 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-11-12/pdf/2026-23051.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-23050, Improving and Eliminating Regulations; Limit on Exposure to Diesel Particulate…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-23050)
- [Next: 2026-23052, Electrical Equipment for Coal Seams Above the Water Table](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-23052)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-23051 (as of 2026-11-12).