U.S. coal lobby fights black-lung tax as disease rates surge

[DonViejo]

Last edited Fri Jun 1, 2018, 10:27 AM - Edit history (1)

Source: Reuters



JUNE 1, 2018 / 7:04 AM / UPDATED AN HOUR AGO

Valerie Volcovici

PRINCETON, West Virginia (Reuters) - As a young man, Barry Shrewsbury dug coal in the West Virginia mines and spent his time off hunting and fishing in the rolling hills.

Now, at 62, he struggles to breath and accomplish basic tasks such as shopping and showering, and relies on a federal fund for ex-miners with black lung disease to pay for an oxygen tank and doctor visits.

“The benefits are a lifeline,” Shrewsbury said between labored breaths after a treatment at the Bluestone Health Center, an industrial-style building set against a leafy landscape in Princeton, West Virginia.

That lifeline is threatened. The Black Lung Disability Trust Fund is as risk of insolvency due to soaring debt and a slashing of coal-company contributions through a tax cut scheduled for the end of the year, according to a report the U.S. Government Accountability Office plans to publish soon, two sources briefed on the study told Reuters.




Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-coal-blacklung-insight/u-s-coal-lobby-fights-black-lung-tax-as-disease-rates-surge-idUSKCN1IX4EG

[bronxiteforever]

1. Beautiful.Clean.Coal.

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. While Trump wants to force people to use more coal, killing more people

both coal miners and everyone affected by global warming.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142072758

[CousinIT]

3. LINK

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-coal-blacklung-insight/u-s-coal-lobby-fights-black-lung-tax-as-disease-rates-surge-idUSKCN1IX4EG

[marble falls]

4. As a child I heard my grandfather cough up his lungs for years after he left the Bethlehem mines....

thank G*d for Jock Yablonsky and the UMW. Screw the owners who give not a whit for the miners. Or the environment.

[tazkcmo]

5. Now THAT is how

To save on healthcare costs!

Heartless pieces of shit.

[Dopers_Greed]

6. But Trump is going to bring coal back!

Once most jobs are lost to automation, all millennials and younger will be able to get jobs in the coal mines. MAGA baby!

[Maxheader]

7. All that I've read about coal as fuel..

says there is no current technology that can clean up the gases
making it safe for people and the environment.

[riversedge]

8. ..the mining association lobbied Republican House leadership not to take it up.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-coal-blacklung-insight/u-s-coal-lobby-fights-black-lung-tax-as-disease-rates-surge-idUSKCN1IX4EG


A bipartisan effort by lawmakers to extend the current coal tax failed this year after the mining association lobbied Republican House leadership not to take it up. Watzman said he was “not at liberty” to identify members of Congress who oppose extending the tax. .............................

[muriel_volestrangler]

9. Kick (nt)