SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

On July 1, 2025, MSHA published the proposed rule, “ Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) in Underground Mines ” (90 FR 28406). The proposed rule would allow non-permissible PAPRs that have not been evaluated and approved by MSHA using the 30 CFR part 18 requirements to be used in specified underground areas of gassy mines. The proposed rule would also establish requirements for the features and maintenance of non-permissible PAPRs and the mining conditions where non-permissible PAPRs can be used. The proposed rule opened a 30-day public comment period, that was extended an additional 30 days, until September 2, 2025 (90 FR 34405). During the comment period, MSHA received a request for a public hearing on the proposed rule. MSHA is reopening the comment period for the proposed rule and announcing a virtual public hearing to allow industry, labor, and other interested parties an additional opportunity to present oral statements, written comments, and other information on the proposed rule.

II. Virtual Public Hearing

MSHA will hold a fully virtual public hearing to accept comments from the public on the proposed rule, “ Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) in Underground Mines ” (90 FR 28406), on November 17, 2026. The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time and will end after the last presenter speaks.

The virtual public hearing 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 hearing will be conducted in an informal manner. Formal rules of evidence and cross examination will not apply.

Those who wish to speak during the virtual public hearing are asked to register at: www.msha.gov/​regulations/​rulemaking/​paprs-public-hearing. Speakers should register by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 13, 2026. If you do not register in advance and you wish to speak, you will be called after all those who registered have spoken.

A verbatim transcript of the hearing will be prepared and made a part of the rulemaking record. A copy of the transcript will be available to the public. MSHA will make the transcript available at www.regulations.gov.

III. Request for Comments

MSHA is interested in receiving comments from all members of the mining community and all interested stakeholders. MSHA will accept comments from any interested party, including those not presenting oral statements during the virtual public hearing. Where possible, specific examples to support a commenter's rationale are strongly encouraged.

MSHA will accept post-hearing written comments and other appropriate information for the rulemaking record from any interested party, including those not presenting oral statements, received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 8, 2026. Comments previously submitted on the proposed ( printed page 65698) rule do not need to be resubmitted and will be fully considered in development of the final rule.

(Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 813(h), 957)