Six federal mine safety offices in Kentucky are set to be closed as part of the cost cutting measures of the federal Department of Government Efficiency.
Officials say nationwide, the leases for 29 Mine Safety and Health Administration offices have been terminated which in Kentucky includes Prestonsburg, Harlan, Hazard, Barbourville,
Beaver Dam and Madisonville.
DOGE officials say it will save the government about $2.3 million.
The Appalachian Voices Coal Impacts Program Manager tells WYMT the safety and inspections services will now be run out of Lexington, which includes inspections of all underground mines quarterly and surface mines twice a year.