Working to Save the Abandoned Mine Land Program

An estimated 5.5 million people in Appalachia live within 1 mile of an abandoned mine problem. These lands are supposed to be cleaned up through the federal Abandoned Mine Lands program, which covers sites left behind by coal companies before surface mining regulations were passed in 1977. But the 2021 expiration date for the fee on coal companies that funds the program is fast approaching.

We’re working with partners across the country to ensure that Congress reauthorizes this program so that cleanup of these sites will continue, and are encouraging local governments in areas saddled with safety hazards and pollution problems from these former mines to show their support for the program.

So far, Dungannon and Norton, Va., have passed resolutions asking Congress to continue funding the Abandoned Mine Land program, and more local governments will be considering resolutions throughout the winter and early spring.

Do you want your town or county to get involved? Call our Norton office at (276) 679-1691 or visit reclaimingappalachia.org/reauthorization to learn more and find out about events in your area.

After 20 years, Letcher County prison proposal is still alive, though obstacles remain

A $605 million proposal for a federal prison on a former strip mine site in Letcher County, Kentucky, championed by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, refuses to die, despite local opposition, a lack of support from the executive branch and numerous other obstacles.

Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Erwin, Tennessee. Photo by Abby Hassler

The Washout and Rebuild

For nearly two years, residents of Unicoi County, Tennessee, have had to make do without a hospital after Hurricane Helene destroyed the rural hospital. Ballad Health, which owns the hospital, broke ground on a new location — in another floodplain — in August 2026.