August 17, 2026 - The Mine Safety and Health Administration has reopened the comment period for separate proposed rules covering approval criteria for mine roof control and ventilation plans.

MSHA published the initial proposed rules in July 2025 and is reopening the comment period after a previous extension in response to a public request. The agency aims to “rescind the power” of district managers to add safety-related requirements that aren’t specified in regulations, revising the current rule.

The deadline to comment on the proposals is Sept. 30.

Additionally, the agency announced Aug. 3 that it has scheduled virtual public hearings on the proposed rules, discussing roof control plan matters on Sept. 15 and ventilation plans on Sept. 16. Both hearings are set for 9 a.m. Eastern.

A comment submitted anonymously in July 2025 asserts that “removing the district manager’s discretion undermines MSHA’s core mission to prevent death, illness and injury in America’s mines.” It adds: “The variability and complexity of underground coal mine geologies across the United States demand that regulatory oversight remain adaptable and informed by site-specific conditions. Roof control cannot be standardized without risking miner safety.”