The RECLAIM Act would free up $1 billion over next five years from the federal Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Fund to address two pressing issues relating to the decline of the coal industry—the need to retrain and create new job opportunities for unemployed miners and to accelerate cleanup of abandoned mine sites. The AML Fund was established by a tonnage fee imposed on mined coal and utilizes no taxpayer funds. The RECLAIM Act would provide $200 million per year over the next five years to states in coal country with Pennsylvania, which leads the nation in the number of abandoned mine sites, expected to receive $67 million per year.
The decline of Appalachia’s coal industry is a result of several factors including cheap natural gas and higher quality western coal. These factors are yet another blow to an industry which has been bleeding jobs for decades as mechanization on mine sites increases and fewer miners are needed.
Abandoned mine lands continue to impact our rivers and streams and pose a serious risk to public health and community quality of life across Appalachia, in particular here in Pennsylvania. Reclamation of abandoned mine sites has been an integral part of our organization’s work since we were founded in 1994. In the 125 square mile Indian Creek watershed there are over 130 known mine discharges which foul water, contaminate people’s private drinking water supplies, and deter tourism and economic development. Our vision is to treat the 11 worst discharges in the watershed which will result in restoration of over 95% of Indian Creek. Our analysis has shown that every dollar invested in mine drainage cleanup in the Indian Creek watershed results in a $2.40 return to the local economy in terms of recreational fishing alone. Clean water makes good economic sense, and the RECLAIM Act promises to help expedite this vital work.
This important legislation will help coal communities rebuild in a way that will be sustainable while addressing dangerous abandoned mine sites that negatively impact communities. It would also require no taxpayer dollars. It’s a win-win for coal communities, and it’s incredibly important that our Pennsylvania elected officials back Representative Hal Rogers (R-KY), the author of the RECLAIM Act, and support this legislation.
Representative Bill Shuster (R-PA) has yet to indicate support for the RELCAIM Act. Please call Rep. Shuster at (202) 225-2431 today or use this online contact form. Ask that he support this crucial legislation for the benefit of coal communities across Pennsylvania and Appalachia— including those right here at home.