NEW DATA: BLACK LUNG RATE IN APPALACHIA HIGHEST IN NEARLY 50 YEARS

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5 -- Sen. Mark R. Warner issued the following press release:

WASHINGTON - Following a new report that found that coal miners in central Appalachia are suffering from black lung at the highest rates in nearly 50 years, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) highlighted the urgent need to strengthen protections for miners and ensure they receive the health care and benefits they have earned.

"Coal miners in Appalachia are getting sicker and at younger ages, and this new data that black lung rates are at their highest in nearly 50 years is devastating. The administration's decision to cut funding for programs that protect miners' health and pause enforcement of the silica dust rule is leaving miners at greater risk," said Sen. Warn...