CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner and U.S. Representative Bobby Scott are among the five lawmakers who reintroduced the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, legislation that would help miners who have suffered from black lung disease access the workers’ compensation and benefits they are entitled to receive under the federal Black Lung Benefits Program on Tuesday. The legislation reduces barriers, such as rising inflation and costs-of-living, complex claims processes, and lack of legal representation, that prevent miners and their survivors from accessing benefits.

“For generations, Virginia’s coal miners have made tremendous sacrifices to power America, literally risking their lives to fuel our nation,” said Warner. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act will eliminate red tape and help miners and their families get easy access to the benefits, compensation, and legal representation they deserve.”

A National Coal Workers Autopsy Study has found that a higher percentage of miners are dying from black lung than in previous generations.

“Our miners make tremendous sacrifices to keep our lights on, communities powered, and nation running,” said Kaine. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act will help the brave miners and retirees impacted by black lung disease finally get the medical coverage and compensation they’ve earned.”

Virginia has 41 operating coal mines, according to the Virginia Department of Energy.