April 30, 2019

Manchin Leads Group Of Senators In Reintroducing Reclaim Act To Invest In Coal Communities

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR), led a group of Senators in reintroducing the Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More (RECLAIM) Act of 2019, to provide opportunities for coal reclamation and economic development in communities impacted by the downturn in the coal industry.

“The RECLAIM Act is an investment in the coal communities that have done the heavy lifting that produced the energy that powered our country to greatness. These bills will provide a boost to struggling coal communities to help diversify their economies without a dime of taxpayer money. I’m proud to join my colleagues in fighting for these investments and introducing the RECLAIM Act,” said Senator Manchin.

The RECLAIM Act of 2019 releases $1 billion from the remaining, unappropriated balance in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund to states to be spent on reclamation projects in communities impacted by abandoned mine lands (AML) and the recent decrease in coal mining production. The RECLAIM Act will also requires States to carry out reclamation projects that will create favorable conditions for economic development.

These projects must be conducted in areas that have been adversely affected by a reduction in coal mining related activity and/or in communities that have traditionally relied on coal mining for a substantial portion of their economy.  Under the RECLAIM Act, $195 million will be distributed to uncertified States and tribes with approved AML programs each year from Fiscal Year 2020 to 2024.

The legislation is also sponsored by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)

To learn more about the RECLAIM Act click here and to read the full bill text click here. 

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