Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United Mine Workers of America is giving “qualified support” to the Obama administration’s new rule aimed at cutting the amount of coal dust in coal mines.

The union said Monday that it approves of many parts of the rule, which was issued last month. Among them is a reduction in the overall dust standard from 2.0 to 1.5 milligrams per cubic meter of air.

But the union says it is concerned that dust monitors would be required only in coal-producing sections of mines.

Still, the union says on balance the rule should lead to a reduction of black lung disease.

The National Mining Association and others have challenged the new rule in court.

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