Deb Haaland Secretary at U.S. Department of Interior | Official website
The Department of the Interior announced today that nearly $725 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is available to 22 states and the Navajo Nation for reclaiming abandoned mine lands (AML). This funding aims to create jobs and stimulate economic opportunities while addressing environmental issues caused by past coal mining activities. The funds are part of an $11.3 billion AML investment provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Communities previously reliant on the coal industry now face pollution from abandoned mines, including toxic discharge into lands and waterways, land subsidence, structural issues, and underground mine fires. The funding will support job creation for displaced coal workers and provide clean air and water through cleanup projects.
AML reclamation projects focus on closing dangerous mine shafts, stabilizing slopes, treating acid mine drainage to improve water quality, and restoring damaged water supplies. These projects also aim to repurpose hazardous land for recreational facilities and other redevelopment uses such as advanced manufacturing and renewable energy deployment. States and Tribes are encouraged to prioritize employing current and former coal industry workers.
“The Biden-Harris administration is committed to helping working families, often in rural and Tribal communities, who face hazardous pollution, toxic water levels, and land subsidence both during mining and long after coal companies have moved on,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are making historic investments to help revitalize local economies and support reclamation jobs that help put people to work in their communities.”
States have already utilized over $1.4 billion from the first two years of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for various projects aimed at protecting homes from subsidence, creating new recreation opportunities, and cleaning up streams polluted with acid mine drainage.
"This unprecedented funding secured by the President is already making a difference in coal communities through new jobs, safer communities, and a cleaner environment,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Dr. Steve Feldgus.
This initiative is part of broader efforts by the Biden-Harris administration to support an equitable transition to a sustainable economy post-mine or power plant closures. It aligns with the Justice40 Initiative which aims to deliver 40 percent of certain federal investment benefits to disadvantaged communities historically affected by underinvestment and pollution. Additionally, reclaiming abandoned coal mines supports the Methane Action Plan's goals of reducing methane emissions while creating jobs.
Eligible states and Tribes can now apply for these formula-based funding allotments through GrantSolutions for FY 2024 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law AML funds.
