Federal Register #2026-21165

DOL Seeks Public Comment on Coal Mine Operator Claim-Response Forms

The U.S. Department of Labor is seeking public comment on an information collection for coal mine operator responses in Black Lung Benefits Act cases. - Government office: U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation. - Requested activity: Public comments on the proposed collection and its necessity, estimated burden and cost, clarity, and ways to reduce respondent burden. - Forms: CM-2970 and CM-2970a, used by coal mine operators to indicate whether they will submit additional evidence or respond to a claim notice in cases where an operator may be liable. - This is an information-collection review, not a procurement or contract award. No OEMs, vendors, products, contracted services, or quantities are identified. - DOL seeks a three-year authorization for the information collection.

Description

The Department of Labor is submitting an Office of Workers' Compensation Programs information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection concerns Forms CM-2970 and CM-2970a, used by coal mine operators to indicate that they will submit additional evidence or respond to a notice of claim for claims filed after January 19, 2001. The forms relate to the administration of Black Lung Benefits Act claims when an operator has been identified as potentially liable. Written comments are invited by November 16, 2026.

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