Hal Rogers files bill to release $1 billion in AML funds for economic development in coal communities...

Today, Rep. Hal Rogers – along with several other Appalachian state representatives – filed the RECLAIM Act, which would release $1 billion in abandoned mine land (AML) funds through the POWER+ Plan for economic development related to land remediation of formerly mined and adjacent lands. The bill is a bipartisan effort that would help coal communities across the country deal with the affects of decreased coal production: job loss, economic decline, lack of new opportunities. Under RECLAIM (which stands for “Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More”), $200 million will be distributed to participating states annually for economic and community development on AML sites. This is huge news for Central Appalachian communities, who have been signing on to a resolution of support for the POWER+ Plan since last year. The AML money would help create jobs for land remediation projects that would boost local economies across the region. As eastern Kentucky coal production continues to decline, taking the amount of available coal severance tax dollars with it, a boost in funding from AML funds could not come at a better time. We hope the RECLAIM Act will pass the House and receive support in the Senate on it’s way to the President’s desk. Appalachian can’t wait much longer for this kind of federal support. Click here for a summary of the RECLAIM Act. Click here for the full text of the bill. UPDATE: Several organizations in Central Appalachian have released statements in response to the...