MSHA, EPA rules to watch in the months to come

The Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) will release a request for information (RFI) on respirable crystalline silica in July 2019, seeking information and data concerning protective measures, the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) reports.

The announcement was made as the Trump administration released an updated agenda of pending regulations and forthcoming regulatory rollbacks, NSSGA says.

Regarding the RFI, MSHA is seeking information and data about the appropriately reduced permissible exposure limit, protective technologies and technical and educational assistance.

Additionally, NSSGA reports that MSHA intends to issue a proposed rule for a potential safety program for mobile equipment at surface operations and the surface areas of underground operations. The administration’s agenda does not specify what MSHA intends as a “safety program,” but the proposed rule is set to be released in March 2020.

MSHA also intends to issue either a direct final rule or a proposed rule in October on the use of electronic detonators for blasting.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules affecting the aggregate industry are also expected to be adjusted over the next year. For example, EPA is expected to make a proposed rulemaking for the particulate matter air quality standard in March 2020. In addition, the final withdrawal of the 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule is expected in August, with the final WOTUS replacement rule coming in December.