A group of US House Democrats has criticised the Trump administration for what they call a “troubling pattern of disregard” for the health and safety of energy workers across the country.
In a letter sent to President Donald Trump on September 9, the lawmakers expressed concern over recent moves to cut staff and funding at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), as well as other decisions that they argue could weaken essential protections. The letter highlights threats to black lung disease prevention efforts, including a proposed elimination of NIOSH’s Pittsburgh Mining Research Division and the closure of its Respiratory Health Division.
The group, led by Representatives John Garamendi, Mark DeSaulnier, and Greg Landsman, also criticised the delay in enforcing the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s final rule on silica dust exposure. Silica dust has long been identified as a primary cause of black lung and other fatal respiratory diseases among coal and other types of miners.
The lawmakers further condemned the proposal to eliminate the Chemical Safety Board (CSB), pointing out its vital role in investigating major industrial incidents. They cited the 2022 BP refinery fire in Oregon, Ohio, which killed two workers, and the 2012 Chevron refinery fire in California, which resulted in thousands of residents seeking medical care.
Despite the proposed closure, the Senate and House appropriations committees have recently approved funding for the CSB for the 2026 fiscal year.
The letter includes a series of pointed questions for the administration to answer by September 22, seeking clarity on the justification for budget cuts, regulatory delays, and the future of independent industrial safety investigations.
Lawmakers stressed that while American energy production relies on the hard work of miners and industrial staff, recent policies appear to undermine the very protections designed to keep those workers safe. They warned that rolling back safety and health standards could jeopardise not only worker welfare but also the resilience of the nation’s energy infrastructure.
