Deb Haaland U.S. Secretary of the Interior | Official Website
The Department of the Interior has announced over $74 million in funding for fiscal year 2024 as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. This initiative aims to address pollution from abandoned mine lands (AML) and create jobs in coal communities across Kentucky.
Millions of Americans live near abandoned coal mines, posing environmental and safety risks. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated $16 billion to tackle legacy pollution, including nearly $11.3 billion specifically for AML over 15 years, managed by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). This funding is intended to mitigate hazards from historic coal mining activities.
"Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we have an extraordinary opportunity to reclaim nearly all of the documented abandoned mine land hazards across the nation," stated Secretary Deb Haaland. She emphasized that addressing legacy pollution will restore lands and waterways while creating economic opportunities.
Sharon Buccino, OSMRE Principal Deputy Director, noted that "the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law infuses coal communities with the funding necessary to turn past pollution into future prosperity." Buccino highlighted that this funding is improving safety, cleaning up the environment, and generating jobs.
Since the enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, more than $148 million has been allocated to Kentucky for AML reclamation under President Biden’s agenda. Additional funds will be distributed to eligible states as they apply.
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 at economic revitalization by converting hazardous lands into recreational facilities or sites for advanced manufacturing and renewable energy initiatives. Priority will be given to employing current and former coal industry workers.
This funding supports a transition towards a sustainable economy post-mine or power plant closures while promoting environmental health. It aligns with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative which seeks to direct 40 percent of certain federal investment benefits towards disadvantaged communities affected by underinvestment and pollution. Additionally, reclaiming abandoned mines contributes to reducing methane emissions as part of the administration's Methane Action Plan.
