BethEnergy Mines, Inc. v. Director, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs

OPINION OF THE COURT

SLOVITER, Chief Judge.

The issue presented by this appeal is a jurisdictional one pending as well in three other courts of appeals 1 — whether the administrative bodies that adjudicate black lung claims or the district courts have jurisdiction to resolve disputes regarding interest assessed against coal mine Operators on reimbursements to the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund (the “Fund”) for medical benefits that the Fund previously paid to or on behalf of claimants. Underlying this jurisdictional dispute is a significant legal issue, which is the authority of the…