RECLAIM the future of the coalfields

Join efforts across the nation to support the passage of the RECLAIM Act and Abandoned Mine Land Fund Reauthorization Bill!

Register for the RECLAIM Coalition Briefing & Webinar (03/16): Join the Abandoned Mine Lands Actions and Updates webinar, hosted by the RECLAIM Coalition. You’ll hear updates on federal legislation, learn about communities impacted by these issues, and see how you can take action.

It is more important than ever to stand up for communities hard hit by the combined impacts of the pandemic and the downturn of the coal industry. Our communities are rich with incredible resources, and we’re excited to share how people from across the country can join with us at this critical time to advocate for good jobs, a safer environment, and a bright future.

Choose a RECLAIM Letter Writing Workshop (03/11, 03/13, 03/18, 03/20): At these workshops, we will walk you through need-to-know information and help you contact your legislators and local newspapers. Join us and let people in your community and elected officials know that you want to see the cleanup of abandoned mine lands. Drop in at any time!

March 11, 6 – 8 p.m. — REGISTER NOW

March 13, 12 – 2 p.m. — REGISTER NOW

March 18, 6 – 8 p.m. — REGISTER NOW

March 20, 12 – 2 p.m. — REGISTER NOW

More Info:

The RECLAIM Act commits $1 billion to help clean up hazardous abandoned coal mines while funding projects that foster community and economic development. If passed, the RECLAIM Act will spur immediate job creation and create the conditions for longer-term, locally driven economic development efforts to build better, brighter futures in coal communities across the country. It is a major opportunity for areas that have historically depended on the coal industry for good jobs and economic stability to rebuild themselves by growing new, diverse industries on their own terms.

The Abandoned Mine Land program provides money to reclaim coal mines that were permitted prior to 1977. Coal companies pay a fee per ton of coal mined, which finances the fund. This funding program is set to expire this year, despite the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement indicating that it will cost at least $11.46 billion to reclaim the remaining abandoned mines across the country. Without reauthorizing the funding that supports these projects, our communities will remain at risk and the potential for new jobs and economic growth will be left unrealized.

By supporting the AML program and investing $1 billion in these projects in 20 states through the RECLAIM Act, these bipartisan bills will strengthen our infrastructure, create thousands of jobs and spark economic development across Appalachia. Restoring and reclaiming these sites can turn them into economic hubs while also putting thousands of people to work fixing our infrastructure by repairing damaged land and waterways.

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Protecting the Central and Southern Appalachian Mountain Region