The Department of the Interior has announced over $9.9 million in fiscal year 2024 funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to address abandoned mine lands (AML) in Colorado. This initiative aims to create jobs and stimulate economic growth while addressing environmental issues.
Millions of Americans live near abandoned coal mines. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, part of the President's plan, allocated $16 billion to tackle legacy pollution, including nearly $11.3 billion for AML funding over 15 years. This funding is expected to mitigate almost all currently known abandoned coal mine lands across the country.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda gives us an unparalleled investment and opportunity to address the majority of currently known abandoned mine land hazards,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Dr. Steve Feldgus. “Through these new historic resources, the Interior Department is addressing long-standing environmental injustices, cleaning up toxic and hazardous sites and creating jobs and revitalizing former coal communities.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law infuses coal communities with the funding necessary to turn past pollution into future prosperity,” said Principal Deputy Director of OSMRE Sharon Buccino. “This historic funding is making people safer, cleaning up the environment, and creating jobs. Outcomes that these communities need and deserve.”
Since the enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, more than $19.8 million has been allocated to Colorado for AML reclamation under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Including today’s announcement, over $32.8 million in awards have been distributed nationwide for fiscal year 2024, with additional funds to be awarded on a rolling basis as states apply.
AML reclamation projects support jobs by closing dangerous mine shafts, stabilizing slopes, improving water quality by treating acid mine drainage, and restoring water supplies damaged by mining activities. These projects can also promote economic revitalization by converting hazardous land into recreational facilities or redevelopment areas such as advanced manufacturing sites or renewable energy installations. Funding will prioritize employing current and former coal industry workers.
This initiative is part of broader efforts by the Biden-Harris administration to support a transition to a sustainable economy and healthier environment post-mine or power plant closures. It aligns with the Justice40 Initiative aimed at delivering 40 percent of certain federal investments' benefits to historically marginalized communities burdened by pollution.
Reclaiming abandoned coal mines also supports the Methane Action Plan from the Biden-Harris administration which seeks to reduce methane emissions—a significant contributor to climate change—while fostering job creation and American innovation.
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