Coal industry revival sparks concern over black lung disease

By Justin Hicks,

Mary Louise Kelly

Published January 2, 2026 at 4:17 PM EST

As the Trump administration pushes to expand coal mining, advocates warn that loosening regulations could put miners' health at risk. Justin Hicks of the Appalachia Mid South Newsroom reports.

Justin Hicks

Mary Louise Kelly

Mary Louise Kelly is a co-host of All Things Considered, NPR's award-winning afternoon newsmagazine.

See stories by Mary Louise Kelly

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