Posts Tagged ‘mine reclamation’
Congress Needs to Pass the RECLAIM Act
Politicians like to talk about helping rural Appalachia. The RECLAIM Act is a chance for them to show that they mean it.
Read MoreKY plans to spend Abandoned Mine Land Pilot funds on a federal prison
The state of Kentucky intends to use Abandoned Mine Land Pilot funds to build water and sewer lines for a proposed federal prison, a project that does not support true economic renewal or justice.
Read MoreCongressional Hearing Addresses Abandoned Mine Cleanup
Regional leaders testified in front of a U.S. House subcommittee about strategies to restore abandoned mines and witnesses expressed support for the RECLAIM Act.
Read MoreGov. Jim Justice’s Barren Mine Lands and Unpaid Taxes
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice made nearly $2 billion off Appalachia’s coalfields, but his family’s mines owe back taxes in multiple states. They have also accrued hundreds of environmental violations, and many idled mines are still unreclaimed.
Read MoreLaying the Groundwork for Innovative Mine Reclamation Projects
A coalition of environmental groups including Appalachian Voices released a report in November detailing opportunities to give old mine lands new life.
Read MoreStates Seek Mine-Related Debts from WV Governor
Virginia and Kentucky regulators are seeking to hold West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice accountable for his companies’ failure to meet mine land reclamation deadlines.
Read MoreCost of Coal Mine Cleanup
Despite problems with the current system, coal companies are being granted more leeway in paying for mine reclamation.
Read MoreDecades in the Making: A Mine Reclamation Backlog
Several charts and maps show the enormity of the abandoned mine problems that still need to be cleaned up — and the inadequacy of the current cleanup fund.
Read MoreCoal Insider Nominated to Lead Mining Agency
The White House nominated J. Steven Gardner, who has worked in the coal industry for over four decades, to lead the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.
Read MoreCalls for Action on RECLAIM Act
Supporters of the RECLAIM Act traveled to Washington, D.C., in October to urge legislators to cosponsor the bill and hold a vote before the end of 2017.
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