While cases of black lung disease among miners were on the rise last year, coal companies and industry groups lobbied lawmakers against extending a tax program that provides a lifeline for sufferers and their families.

Mandatory disclosures show the coal lobby spent some of its influence money on discussions with lawmakers regarding the Black Lung Excise Tax and the trust fund that helps pay for the health and living benefits of sick coal workers whose employers have gone bankrupt, and their beneficiaries.

Industry efforts appear to have paid off as Congress did not act by Dec. 31 to extend the higher excise tax on coal companies, the primary source of money for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, which was established in 1977.

Because of Congress’ inaction, the tax rate dropped at the beginning of this year to 50 cents per ton of underground-mined coal from $1.10 per ton last year, putting the fund at risk for insolvency. The 55-cents-per-ton tax on of surface coal also dropped to 25 cents per ton.

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