Community advocates herald Sen. Manchin’s coal-site reclamation bills

With coal communities more in need of support and investment than ever before, today Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) unveiled two bills along with Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Mark Warner (D-VA) that would spur immediate job creation and help ensure coal country is part of the economic recovery.

The senators introduced the RECLAIM Act and legislation to fully reauthorize the Abandoned Mine Lands fund — bills that work hand-in-hand to reclaim and restore abandoned coal mines and polluted lands and waters, and turn them into new economic development hubs without spending any taxpayer dollars. Together, these bills will create an estimated 13,000 new jobs immediately in reclamation alone.

“The need for investment in Appalachia has never been greater, nor has the momentum from within historically coal-reliant communities to diversify their economies. The bills introduced in the Senate today are a big step forward, and can be built upon to ensure the region contributes to and benefits from America’s 21st-century economy,” said Chelsea Barnes, Legislative Director for Appalachian Voices.

• Hear from other community advocates.
• Read press release from Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.