April 28, 2025 - As efforts from Washington, D.C., to reduce the size of the federal government continue with a sense of urgency that has yielded mixed results, U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., was right to urge U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reverse course on a reduction in force effort that has affected the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in Morgantown.

“I believe in the president’s vision to right size our government, but I do not think eliminating the NIOSH coal programs and research will accomplish that goal,” Capito wrote to Kennedy Monday. “The mission and work conducted by the specially trained NIOSH employees is not duplicative of any other government program.”

Among many other things, that work helps keep West Virginia’s coal miners safe and healthy.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his support of our region’s miners and the coal industry. But a loss of approximately 200 jobs at NIOSH could remove some support for miners’ wellbeing.

“I am concerned that the RIFs at NIOSH will undermine the vital health programs important to so many West Virginians,” Capito said. “I urge you to bring back the NIOSH employees immediately so they can continue to support our nation’s coal industry.”

The NIOSH employees in Morgantown study workplace-related respiratory diseases, they provide black lung screenings for coal miners, they do research on rock dust that helps find ways to prevent explosions. NIOSH research has produced the pillar design that helps prevent roof collapse in underground mines.

It was important for Capito to stand up for our workers when she reminded Kennedy, “As the president recognizes the importance of coal, we must also recognize the health of our miners and I encourage you to bring back the NIOSH coal programs and researchers that will help ensure the president’s vision to unleash American energy can be done safely.”

Surely, he will recognize how important it is to fulfill his mission correctly, not just quickly. Capito — and the rest of our congressional delegation — must not let up the pressure until he does.