Federal mine safety officials are failing to protect coal miners from silica dust, a cause of black lung disease, according to a report from the Department of Labor Investigator General. In 2000, 1 in 20 miners with at least 25 years of experience had black lung. By 2016, that figure had doubled. Not only does the Mine Safety and Health Administration not issue citations or fines for excess silica exposures, its testing protocols may be insufficient to protect coal miners, the investigation found. (Charleston Gazette-Mail, E&E $)