We appreciate President Biden’s commitment to MSHA in his FY 2022 budget request and urge the Committees to support additional funding for MSHA’s Directorate of Educational Policy and Development (EPD). EPD is essential to promoting mine safety through better training and compliance assistance. Further, we call on the Committees to provide resources for thorough and continuous training of inspectors – particularly newly hired individuals and those who are transitioning from inspecting coal mines to inspecting metal/non-metal operations. We believe this will bolster the agency’s goal of increasing enforcement consistency across the country. As you know, NIOSH conducts critical applied research; develops criteria for occupational safety and health standards to protect workers; and provides technical services to government, labor and industry. NSSGA works closely with NIOSH to enhance worker safety and health in the aggregates industry. NIOSH has collaborated with NSSGA during the pandemic to improve strategies that prevent the spread of COVID-19 and encourage employees in the industry to get vaccinated. We strongly urge you to continue robust funding for NIOSH that empowers employers and workers to create safe and healthy workplace.