Proposed Rule2025-11738
Trolleys
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
July 1, 2025
Issuing agencies
Labor DepartmentMine Safety and Health Administration
Abstract
MSHA is proposing to remove and revise provisions for metal and nonmental (MNM) mines and coal mines regarding the use of trolleys for transportation of mined ore, coal, material, and personnel. Trolleys are an outdated technology that have been replaced by more efficient belt conveyor haulage systems for transporting mined ore and coal. Diesel and battery-operated mobile equipment are now used to transport personnel and equipment. Trolleys are no longer used in MNM or coal mines and there is no anticipated future use of this legacy equipment in MNM and coal mines.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 124 (Tuesday, July 1, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 1, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28395-28400]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-11738]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
30 CFR Parts 56, 57, 75, and 77
[Docket No. MSHA-2025-0086]
RIN 1219-AC20
Trolleys
AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Department of
Labor.
ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: MSHA is proposing to remove and revise provisions for metal
and nonmental (MNM) mines and coal mines regarding the use of trolleys
for transportation of mined ore, coal, material, and personnel.
Trolleys are an outdated technology that have been replaced by more
efficient belt conveyor haulage systems for transporting mined ore and
coal. Diesel and battery-operated mobile equipment are now used to
transport personnel and equipment. Trolleys are no longer used in MNM
or coal mines and there is no anticipated future use of this legacy
equipment in MNM and coal mines.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 31, 2025.
ADDRESSES: All submissions must include RIN 1219-AC20 or Docket No.
MSHA-2025-0086. You should not include personal or proprietary
information that you do not wish to disclose publicly. If you mark
parts of a comment as ``business confidential'' information, MSHA will
not post those parts of the comment. Otherwise, MSHA will post all
comments without change, including any personal information provided.
MSHA cautions against submitting personal information.
You may submit comments and informational materials, clearly
identified by RIN 1219-AC20 or Docket No. MSHA-2025-0086, by any of the
following methods:
1. Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the online instructions for submitting comments for MSHA-2025-0086.
2. Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e39999aeb0aba2ce808c8e8e868d9790a3878c8fcd848c95"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3248487f617a731f515d5f5f575c464172565d5e1c555d44">[email protected]</span></a>. Include ``RIN 1219-AC20'' in the
subject line of the message.
3. Regular Mail or Hand Delivery: MSHA, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances, Room C3522, 200 Constitution Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20210. Before visiting MSHA in person, call 202-693-9440
to make an appointment.
No telefacsimiles (``faxes'') will be accepted.
[[Page 28396]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jessica D. Senk, Acting Director,
Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at 202-693-9440
(voice). This is not a toll-free number.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Trolleys were historically used in metal and nonmetal (MNM) and
coal mines for transportation of mined ore, coal, equipment, and
personnel. Trolleys typically consisted of a low carriage, mounted on
wheels having a fixed in bearings trolley pole, pressing upward in
rolling contact with an overhead trolley wire to take off electric
current for operating a locomotive or other motorized equipment. The
trolley wire was typically hung from the roof and this energized
conductor was a constant source of danger to miners. Coverings of
insulating materials were used to guard miners from direct contact with
the wire. Energized trolley wires exposed miners to electrical hazards.
While various forms of trolleys were once common in mines, this
equipment is no longer used and has been replaced by more efficient
belt conveyor haulage systems, and diesel and battery-operated mobile
equipment. Therefore, MSHA proposes to remove all references to
trolleys in title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR) parts
56, 57, 75, and 77. These proposed changes do not reduce protection for
miners because miners no longer work on or around trolleys.
II. Discussion
A. Part 56--Safety and Health Standards--Surface Metal and Nonmetal
Mines
In 30 CFR part 56, MSHA proposes to remove the following sections
because trolleys are no longer in use at surface MNM mines; therefore,
these sections are no longer necessary to protect the safety and health
of miners. MSHA proposes to remove Sec. Sec. 56.12042, 56.12050,
56.12053, and 56.14216.
Also, MSHA proposes to revise the following sections to remove
references to trolleys. MSHA proposes to revise Sec. Sec. 56.6203,
56.12065, 56.12066, and 56.12071.
B. Part 57--Safety and Health Standards--Underground Metal and Nonmetal
Mines
In 30 CFR part 57, MSHA proposes to remove the following sections
because trolleys are no longer used at underground MNM mines;
therefore, these sections are no longer necessary to protect the safety
and health of miners. MSHA proposes to remove Sec. Sec. 57.6160(a)(6),
57.12042, 57.12050, 57.12053, 57.12081, 57.12086, 57.14160, and
57.14216.
Also, MSHA proposes to revise the following sections to remove
references to trolleys. MSHA proposes to revise Sec. Sec.
57.6160(a)(5), 57.6203, 57.12065, 57.12066, 57.12071, and 57.12080.
C. Part 75--Mandatory Safety Standards--Underground Coal Mines
In 30 CFR part 75, MSHA proposes to remove the following sections
because trolleys are no longer used at underground coal mines;
therefore, these sections are no longer necessary to protect the safety
and health of miners. MSHA proposes to remove Sec. Sec. 75.327,
75.360(b)(7), 75.371(v), 75.508-1, 75.510, 75.510-1, 75.518-2, 75.1000,
75.1001, 75.1001-1, 75.1003, 75.1003-1, 75.1003-2, 75.1106-2(b),
75.1311(b)(4), 75.1403-7(m), 75.1902(d)(2), and 75.1906(j).
MSHA proposes to revise the title of Subpart K to remove references
to trolleys. MSHA also proposes to revise the following sections to
remove references to trolleys: Sec. Sec. 75.333(b)(4),
75.380(f)(2)(iii), 75.380(g), 75.508, 75.516-2(c), 75.517, 75.807,
75.1600-2, 75.1707-1, and 75.1902(d)(2).
D. Part 77--Mandatory Safety Standards, Surface Coal Mines and Surface
Work Areas of Underground Coal Mines
In 30 CFR part 77, MSHA proposes to remove the following sections
because trolleys are no longer used at surface coal mines and surface
work areas of underground coal mines; therefore, these sections are no
longer necessary to protect the safety and health of miners. MSHA
proposes to remove subpart S, consisting of Sec. Sec. 77.1800 through
77.1802.
MSHA seeks comment on any aspects of this proposed rule including
whether MSHA should prohibit the use of trolleys.
III. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
Executive Order (E.O.) 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' 58
FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993), requires agencies, to the extent permitted by
law, to (1) propose or adopt a regulation only upon a reasoned
determination that its benefits justify its costs (recognizing that
some benefits and costs are difficult to quantify); (2) tailor
regulations to impose the least burden on society, consistent with
obtaining regulatory objectives, taking into account, among other
things, and to the extent practicable, the costs of cumulative
regulations; (3) select, in choosing among alternative regulatory
approaches, those approaches that maximize net benefits; (4) to the
extent feasible, specify performance objectives, rather than specifying
the behavior or manner of compliance that regulated entities must
adopt; and (5) identify and assess available alternatives to direct
regulation, including providing economic incentives to encourage the
desired behavior, such as user fees or marketable permits, or providing
information upon which choices can be made by the public.
E.O. 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review'' 76 FR
3821 (Jan. 21, 2011), requires agencies to use the best available
techniques to quantify anticipated present and future benefits and
costs as accurately as possible. E.O. 13563 reaffirms the principles of
E.O. 12866 while calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory
system to promote predictability, reduce uncertainty, and use the best,
most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory
ends.
E.O. 12866 and E.O. 13563 direct agencies to assess all costs and
benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is
necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits.
E.O. 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and
benefits, reducing costs, harmonizing rules, and promoting flexibility.
Under section 3(f) of E.O. 12866, a ``significant regulatory
action'' is a regulatory action that is likely to result in a rule that
may:
(1) have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more,
or adversely affect in a material way he economy, a sector of the
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public
health or safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities
(also referred to as economically significant);
(2) create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an
action taken or planned by another agency;
(3) materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants,
user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of
recipients; or
(4) raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal
mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in
the E.O.
Under section 6(a) of E.O. 12866, the Office of Management and
Budget's (OMB's) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)
determines whether a regulatory action is
[[Page 28397]]
significant and whether Agencies are required to submit the regulatory
action to OIRA for review. Removing the provisions concerning the use
of trolleys in mines would not impose new compliance costs to mine
operators or reduce the protections afforded to miners. This proposed
rule is determined to not constitute a ``significant regulatory
action'' because it does not meet any of the four ``significant
regulatory action'' criteria under section 3(f) of E.O. 12866.
Accordingly, this proposed rule was not submitted to OIRA for review
under E.O. 12866.
No alternatives were considered for this proposed deregulatory
action.
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) of 1980, as amended by the
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) of 1996,
requires preparation of an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
(IRFA) for any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment,
unless the agency certifies that the rule, if promulgated, will not
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The RFA defines small entities to include small businesses,
small organizations, including not-for-profit organizations, and small
governmental jurisdictions.
MSHA reviewed this proposed rule under the provisions of the RFA,
which eliminates burdensome regulations. Therefore, MSHA initially
concludes that the impacts of the proposed rule would not have a
``significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities,'' and that the preparation of an IRFA is not warranted. MSHA
will transmit this certification and supporting statement of factual
basis to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business
Administration for review under 5 U.S.C. 605(b).
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)
provides for the Federal Government's collection, use, and
dissemination of information. The goals of the Paperwork Reduction Act
include minimizing paperwork and reporting burdens and ensuring the
maximum possible utility from the information that is collected under 5
CFR part 1320. The Paperwork Reduction Act requires Federal agencies to
obtain approval from OMB before requesting or requiring ``a collection
of information'' from the public.
This proposed rule imposes no new information collection or record-
keeping requirements. Accordingly, OMB clearance is not required under
the Paperwork Reduction Act.
D. Review Under Executive Order 13132
E.O. 13132, ``Federalism'' 64 FR 43255 (August 10, 1999), imposes
certain requirements on Federal agencies formulating and implementing
policies or regulations that preempt State law or that have federalism
implications. The E.O. requires agencies to examine the constitutional
and statutory authority supporting any action that would limit the
policymaking discretion of the States and to carefully assess the
necessity for such actions. The E.O. also requires agencies to have an
accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely input by State and
local officials in the development of regulatory policies that have
federalism implications.
MSHA has examined this proposal and has determined that it would
not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
E. Review Under Executive Order 12988
With respect to the review of existing regulations and the
promulgation of new regulations, section 3(a) of E.O. 12988, ``Civil
Justice Reform'' 61 FR 4729 (Feb. 7, 1996), imposes on Federal agencies
the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1) eliminate
drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write regulations to minimize
litigation; (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected conduct
rather than a general standard; and (4) promote simplification and
burden reduction. Regarding the review required by section 3(a),
section 3(b) of E.O. 12988 specifically requires that Executive
agencies make every reasonable effort to ensure that the regulation:
(1) clearly specifies the preemptive effect, if any; (2) clearly
specifies any effect on existing Federal law or regulation; (3)
provides a clear legal standard for affected conduct while promoting
simplification and burden reduction; (4) specifies the retroactive
effect, if any; (5) adequately defines key terms; and (6) addresses
other important issues affecting clarity and general draftsmanship
under any guidelines issued by the Attorney General.
Section 3(c) of E.O. 12988 requires Executive agencies to review
regulations in light of applicable standards in section 3(a) and
section 3(b) to determine whether they are met or it is unreasonable to
meet one or more of them. MSHA has completed the required review and
determined that, to the extent permitted by law, this proposal meets
the relevant standards of E.O. 12988.
F. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA)
requires each Federal agency to assess the effects of Federal
regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments and the
private sector. Public Law 104-4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531).
For a regulatory action likely to result in a rule that may cause the
expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate,
or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one year
(adjusted annually for inflation), section 202 of UMRA requires a
Federal agency to publish a written statement that estimates the
resulting costs, benefits, and other effects on the national economy.
(2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)). The UMRA also requires a Federal agency to
develop an effective process to permit timely input by elected officers
of State, local, and Tribal governments on a ``significant
intergovernmental mandate,'' and requires an agency plan for giving
notice and opportunity for timely input to potentially affected small
governments before establishing any requirements that might
significantly or uniquely affect them.
MSHA examined this proposed rule according to UMRA and its
statement of policy and determined that the proposal does not contain a
Federal intergovernmental mandate, nor is it expected to require
expenditures of $100 million or more in any one year by State, local,
and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector. As
a result, the analytical requirements of UMRA do not apply.
G. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.), requires each Federal agency to consider the
environmental effects of regulatory actions and to prepare an
environmental impact statement on Agency actions that would
significantly affect the quality of the environment; unless the action
is considered categorically excluded under 29 CFR 11.10. MSHA has
reviewed the proposed rule in accordance with NEPA requirements and the
Department of Labor's NEPA procedures (29 CFR part 11). As a result of
this review, MSHA has determined that this proposed rule
[[Page 28398]]
would not impact air, water, or soil quality, plant or animal life, the
use of land or other aspects of the human environment. Therefore, MSHA
has not conducted an environmental assessment nor provided an
environmental impact statement.
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
1999
Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family
Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family well-being.
This proposal would not have any impact on the autonomy or integrity of
the family as an institution. Accordingly, MSHA has concluded that it
is not necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking Assessment.
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
Pursuant to E.O. 12630, ``Governmental Actions and Interference
with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights'' 53 FR 8859 (March 18,
1988), MSHA has determined that this proposal would not result in any
takings that might require compensation under the Fifth Amendment to
the U.S. Constitution.
J. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
2001
Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516, note) provides for Federal agencies to
review most disseminations of information to the public under
information quality guidelines established by each agency pursuant to
general guidelines issued by OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67
FR 8452 (Feb. 22, 2002). MSHA has reviewed this proposal and has
concluded that it is consistent with applicable policies in the OMB
guidelines.
K. Review Under Executive Order 13175
E.O. 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments'' 65 FR 67249 (Nov. 9, 2000), requires agencies to consult
with tribal officials when developing policies that may have ``tribal
implications.'' This proposed rule does not have ``tribal
implications'' because it will not ``have substantial direct effects on
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.''
Accordingly, under E.O. 13175, no further Agency action or analysis is
required.
L. Review Under Executive Order 13211
E.O. 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly
Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use'' 66 FR 28355 (May 22,
2001), requires agencies to publish a statement of energy effects when
a rule has a significant energy action that adversely affects energy
supply, distribution, or use. MSHA has reviewed this proposed rule for
its energy effects. For the energy analysis, this proposed rule will
not exceed the relevant criteria for adverse impact.
K. Review Under Additional Executive Orders and Presidential Memoranda
MSHA has examined this proposal and has determined that it is
consistent with the policies and directives outlined in E.O. 14154,
``Unleashing American Energy'' 90 FR 8353 (Jan. 29, 2025); E.O. 14192,
``Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation'' 90 FR 9065 (Feb. 6,
2025); and the Presidential Memorandum, ``Delivering Emergency Price
Relief for American Families and Defeating the Cost-of-Living Crisis''
90 FR 8245 (Jan. 28, 2025). This proposal is expected to be an E.O.
14192 deregulatory action.
List of Subjects
30 CFR Part 56
Chemicals, Electric power, Explosives, Fire prevention, Hazardous
substances, Metal and nonmetal mining, Mine safety and health, Noise
control, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Surface mining.
30 CFR Part 57
Chemicals, Electric power, Explosives, Fire prevention, Gases,
Hazardous substances, Metal and nonmetal mining, Mine safety and
health, Noise control, Radiation protection, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 75
Electric power, Mandatory safety standards, Mine safety and health,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Training, Underground coal
mines.
30 CFR Part 77
Communications equipment, Electric power, Emergency medical
services, Explosives, Fire prevention, Mine safety and health, Mines,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Surface mining, Underground
mining.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, and under the authority
of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended by the
Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006, MSHA proposes
to amend chapter I of title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations as
follows:
SUBCHAPTER K--METAL AND NONMETAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH
PART 56--SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS--SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL
MINES
0
1. The authority citation for part 56 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811
Subpart E--Explosives
0
2. Revise Sec. 56.6203 to read as follows:
Sec. 56.6203 Locomotives.
Explosive material shall not be transported on a locomotive.
Subpart K--Electricity
Sec. 56.12042 [Removed and Reserved]
0
3. Remove and reserve Sec. 56.12042.
Sec. 56.12050 [Removed and Reserved]
0
4. Remove and reserve Sec. 56.12050.
Sec. 56.12053 [Removed and Reserved]
0
5. Remove and reserve Sec. 56.12053.
0
6. Revise Sec. 56.12065 to read as follows:
Sec. 56.12065 Short circuit and lightning protection.
Powerlines and telephone circuits shall be protected against short
circuits and lightning.
0
7. Revise the heading and text for Sec. 56.12066 to read as follows:
Sec. 56.12066 Guarding bare powerlines.
Where metallic tools or equipment can come in contact with bare
powerlines, the lines shall be guarded or deenergized.
0
8. Revise Sec. 56.12071 to read as follows:
Sec. 56.12071 Movement or operation of equipment near high-voltage
power lines.
When equipment must be moved or operated near energized high-
voltage powerlines and the clearance is less than 10 feet, the lines
shall be deenergized or other precautionary measures shall be taken.
Subpart M--Machinery and Equipment
Sec. 56.14216 [Removed and Reserved]
0
9. Remove and reserve Sec. 56.14216.
[[Page 28399]]
PART 57--SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS--UNDERGROUND METAL AND
NONMETAL MINES
0
10. The authority citation for part 57 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811.
Subpart E--Explosives
0
11. Amend Sec. 57.6160 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (a)(5), and
0
b. Removing and reserving paragraph (a)(6).
The revision reads as follows:
Sec. 57.6160 Main facilities.
(a) * * *
(5) At least 50 feet from electric substations; and
(6) [Reserved]
* * * * *
0
12. Revise Sec. 57.6203 to read as follows:
Sec. 57.6203 Locomotives.
Explosive material shall not be transported on a locomotive.
Subpart K--Electricity
Sec. 57.12042 [Removed and Reserved]
0
13. Remove and reserve Sec. 57.12042.
Sec. 57.12050 [Removed and Reserved]
0
14. Remove and reserve Sec. 57.12050.
Sec. 57.12053 [Removed and Reserved]
0
15. Remove and reserve Sec. 57.12053.
0
16. Revise Sec. 57.12065 to read as follows:
Sec. 57.12065 Short circuit and lightning protection.
Powerlines and telephone circuits shall be protected against short
circuits and lightning.
0
17. Revise the heading and text for Sec. 57.12066 to read as follows:
Sec. 57.12066 Guarding bare powerlines.
Where metallic tools or equipment can come in contact with bare
powerlines, the lines shall be guarded or deenergized.
0
18. Revise Sec. 57.12071 to read as follows:
Sec. 57.12071 Movement or operation of equipment near high-voltage
power lines.
When equipment must be moved or operated near energized high-
voltage powerlines and the clearance is less than 10 feet, the lines
shall be deenergized or other precautionary measures shall be taken.
0
19. Revise Sec. 57.12080 to read as follows:
Sec. 57.12080 Bare conductor guards.
Bare power conductors shall be guarded at mantrip loading and
unloading points, and at shaft stations. Where such bare power
conductors are less than 7 feet above the rail, they shall be guarded
at all points where persons work or pass regularly beneath.
Sec. 57.12081 [Removed and Reserved]
0
20. Remove and reserve Sec. 57.12081.
Sec. 57.12086 [Removed and Reserved]
0
21. Remove and reserve Sec. 57.12086.
Subpart M--Machinery and Equipment
Sec. 57.14160 [Removed and Reserved]
0
22. Remove and reserve Sec. 57.14160.
Sec. 57.14216 [Removed and Reserved]
0
23. Remove and reserve Sec. 57.14216.
SUBCHAPTER O--COAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH
PART 75--MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS--UNDERGROUND COAL MINES
0
24. The authority citation for part 75 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), and 957.
Subpart D--Ventilation
Sec. 75.327 [Removed and Reserved]
0
25. Remove and reserve Sec. 75.327.
0
26. In Sec. 75.333, revise paragraph (b)(4) to read as follows:
Sec. 75.333 Ventilation controls.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(4) To separate the primary escapeway from belt haulage entries, as
required by Sec. 75.380(g). For the purposes of Sec. 75.380(g), the
loading point for a continuous haulage system shall be the outby most
point of travel of the dolly or 600 feet from the point of deepest
penetration, whichever distance is less; and
* * * * *
Sec. 75.360 [Amended]
0
27. In Sec. 75.360, remove and reserve paragraph (b)(7).
Sec. 75.371 [Amended].
0
28. In Sec. 75.371, remove and reserve paragraph (v).
0
29. In Sec. 75.380, revise paragraphs (f)(2)(iii) and (g) to read as
follows:
Sec. 75.380 Escapeways; bituminous and lignite mines.
* * * * *
(f) * * *
(2) * * *
(iii) Effective as of June 10, 1997, to all areas of the primary
escapeway developed prior to March 30, 1970 where separation of the
belt haulage entries from the primary escapeway existed prior to
November 16, 1992.
* * * * *
(g) Except where separation of belt haulage entries from designated
escapeways did not exist before November 15, 1992, and except as
provided in Sec. 75.350(c), the primary escapeway must be separated
from belt haulage entries for its entire length, to and including the
first connecting crosscut outby each loading point except when a
greater or lesser distance for this separation is specified and
approved in the mine ventilation plan and does not pose a hazard to
miners.
* * * * *
Subpart F--Electrical Equipment--General
0
30. Revise Sec. 75.508 to read as follows:
Sec. 75.508 Map of electrical system.
[Statutory Provisions]
The location and the electrical rating of all stationary electric
apparatus in connection with the mine electric system, including
permanent cables, switchgear, rectifying substations, transformers, and
permanent pumps, shall be shown on a mine map. Any changes made in a
location, electric rating, or setting shall be promptly shown on the
map when the change is made. Such map shall be available to an
authorized representative of the Secretary and to the miners in such
mine.
Sec. 75.508-1 [Removed and Reserved]
0
31. Remove and reserve Sec. 75.508-1.
Sec. 75.510 [Removed and Reserved]
0
32. Remove and reserve Sec. 75.510.
Sec. 75.510-1 [Removed and Reserved]
0
33. Remove and reserve Sec. 75.510-1.
0
34. In Sec. 75.516-2, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:
Sec. 75.516-2 Communication wires and cables; installation;
insulation; support.
* * * * *
(c) Additional insulation shall be provided for communication
circuits at points where they pass over or under any power conductor.
* * * * *
0
35. Revise Sec. 75.517 to read as follows:
Sec. 75.517 Power wires and cables; insulation and protection.
[Statutory Provisions]
Power wires and cables shall be insulated adequately and fully
protected.
[[Page 28400]]
Sec. 75.518-2 [Removed and Reserved]
0
36. Remove and reserve Sec. 75.518-2.
Subpart I--Underground High-Voltage Distribution
0
37. Revise Sec. 75.807 to read as follows:
Sec. 75.807 Installation of high-voltage transmission cables.
[Statutory Provisions]
All underground high-voltage transmission cables shall be installed
only in regularly inspected air courses and haulageways, and shall be
covered, buried, or placed so as to afford protection against damage,
guarded where people regularly work or pass under them unless they are
6\1/2\ feet or more above the floor or rail, securely anchored,
properly insulated, and guarded at ends, and covered, insulated, or
placed to prevent contact with low-voltage circuits.
0
38. Revise the title of Subpart K to read as follows:
Subpart K--Electrical Equipment--Pillar Workings and Longwalls
Sec. 75.1000 [Removed and reserved]
Sec. 75.1001 [Removed and reserved]
Sec. 75.1001-1 [Removed and reserved]
Sec. 75.1003 [Removed and reserved]
Sec. 75.1003-1 [Removed and reserved]
Sec. 75.1003-2 [Removed and reserved]
0
39. Remove and reserve Sec. Sec. 75.1000, 75.1001, 75.1001-1, 75.1003,
75.1003-1, and 75.1003-2.
Subpart L--Fire Protection
Sec. 75.1106-2 [Amended]
0
40. In Sec. 75.1106-2, remove and reserve paragraph (b).
Subpart N--Explosives and Blasting
Sec. 75.1311 [Amended]
0
41. In Sec. 75.1311, remove paragraph (b)(4).
Subpart O--Hoisting and Mantrips
Sec. 75.1403-7 [Amended]
0
42. In Sec. 75.1403-7, remove and reserve paragraph (m).
Subpart Q--Communications
0
43. Amend Sec. 75.1600-2 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (c); and
0
b. Removing and reserving paragraph (d).
The revision reads as follows:
Sec. 75.1600-2 Communication facilities; working sections;
installation and maintenance requirements; audible or visual alarms.
* * * * *
(c) If a communication system other than telephones is used and its
operation depends entirely upon power from the mine electric system,
means shall be provided to permit continued communication in the event
the mine electric power fails or is cut off.
(d) [Reserved]
* * * * *
Subpart T--Diesel-Powered Equipment
0
44. Revise Sec. 75.1902(d)(2) to read as follows.:
Sec. 75.1902 Underground diesel fuel storage--general requirements.
* * * * *
(d) * * *
(2) At least 25 feet from power cables, or electric equipment not
necessary for the operation of the storage facilities or areas; and
* * * * *
Sec. 75.1906 [Amended]
0
45. In Sec. 75.1906, remove and reserve paragraph (j).
PART 77--MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS, SURFACE COAL MINES AND SURFACE
WORK AREAS OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES
0
46. The authority citation for part 77 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811.
Subpart S--[Removed and Reserved]
0
47. Remove and reserve Subpart S, consisting of Sec. Sec. 77.1800
through 77.1802.
James P. McHugh,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Mine Safety and Health
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2025-11738 Filed 6-30-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4520-43-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on July 1, 2025.
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