Black Lung Cases Rise as Trump Boosts Coal Funding
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- Justin Smarsh (42) has progressive massive fibrosis, the most severe form of black lung disease, and doctors say he is unlikely to live beyond age 50.
- Deanna Istik, CEO of the Lungs at Work clinic, notes that diagnoses of black lung disease are rising, contrary to the belief that coal mining is largely historic.
- NIOSH reports that progressive massive fibrosis now affects 10% of miners with 25+ years of service, and that black‑lung‑related deaths increased from 2020 to 2023 after a prior decline.
- President Trump signed an executive order this month reaffirming coal as essential to national security, while the U.S. Department of Energy pledged $625 million to coal projects, directing billions in federal funding to expand coal production.
Why it matters: Coal miners face higher mortality as black lung disease affects 1 in 10 veteran workers, while the Trump administration's $625 million DOE investment and executive order pour billions into expanding coal, deepening health risks and reinforcing a costly energy sector.
