This just in from MSHA:

ARLINGTON, Va. – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration today announced that it has extended the comment period on the proposed rule “Lowering Miners’ Exposure to Respirable Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors.” In response to requests from interested parties, the comment period, which originally was to end May 2, has been extended until May 31.

“Our goal to end black lung is a long-standing one and was one of the commitments I made when I came to MSHA,” said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. “Not surprisingly, there has been an overwhelming response to this proposed rule. The additional time hopefully will give everyone who wants to comment the opportunity to do so.”

All comments must be received or postmarked by midnight EDT on May 31. They must be marked “RIN 1219-AB64” and may be sent to MSHA electronically through http://www.regulations.gov; by fax to 202-693-9441; by mail to MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances, 1100 Wilson Blvd., Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-3939; or hand delivered to the same address. For hand delivery, sign in at the receptionist’s desk on the 21st floor.