The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record for public comments and will hold virtual-only public hearings for the Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria proposed rule and the Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria proposed rule.
Background
On July 1, 2025, MSHA published two proposed rules in the Federal Register – Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria (90 FR 28432) and Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria (90 FR 28443). The Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria proposed rule would eliminate the provision that allows the District Manager to require additional measures to be included in roof control plans. The Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria proposed rule would eliminate the authority given to the District Manager to require additional provisions in ventilation control plans. The original public comment period for the proposed rules closed on September 2, 2025.
Public Hearings
MSHA is reopening the rulemaking record for the proposed rules and will hold two virtual-only public hearings to accept comments from the public. The public hearings will begin at 9:00 am Eastern Time on the scheduled dates and will end after the last presenter speaks.
Webinar link
Webinar number: 2431 378 1404
Webinar password: MSHA (6742 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join by phone: +1-415-655-0002 US Toll
Access code: 2431 378 1404
Webinar link
Webinar number: 2421 173 0627
Webinar password: MSHA (6742 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join by phone: +1-415-655-0002 US Toll
Access code: 2421 173 0627
The virtual public hearings will begin with an opening statement from MSHA, followed by an opportunity for members of the public to make oral presentations. Speakers and other attendees may present information to MSHA for inclusion in the rulemaking record. The public hearings will be conducted in an informal manner. Formal rules of evidence and cross examination will not apply.
Register for the public hearings at the two links below. If you plan to attend both public hearings, please register for both:
- Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria Public Hearing Registration
- Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria Public Hearing Registration
Speaker Registration for the Public Hearings
Registration is not required to attend the public hearings. However, all speakers are encouraged to register and email a copy of their presentation files to Public_Hearing@abtglobal.com by September 11, 2026. This will minimize potential technical difficulties with displaying the presentation contents during the public hearings. If you do not register in advance and you wish to speak, you will be called after all those who registered have spoken. If you need accessibility accommodations for speaking during the public hearings, please make sure to note that on the registration form.
Transcript and Written Comments
A verbatim transcript of the proceedings will be prepared and made a part of the rulemaking record. MSHA will make a copy of the transcripts available to the public at the Federal eRulemaking Portal.
MSHA will accept post-hearing written comments and materials for the record from any interested party, including those not presenting at the public hearings, received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on September 30, 2026. Submit written comments and materials electronically at the following links – “Docket No. MSHA–2025-0072” for Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria and “Docket No. MSHA–2025-0084” for Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria. Follow the online instructions for making electronic submissions.