The Department of the Interior has announced more than $46 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 and boost economic opportunities in coal communities across Ohio.
Ohio will also receive nearly $300,000 to update its inventory of abandoned mine lands, aiding future remediation efforts. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated a total of $16 billion to tackle legacy pollution, including nearly $11.3 billion specifically for Abandoned Mine Land (AML) funding over 15 years. This effort is managed by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE).
"Legacy pollution continues to impact far too many waterways and neighborhoods in rural America," stated Secretary Deb Haaland. "Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are making once-in-a-generation investments to clean up environmental hazards that are harming local communities."
Sharon Buccino, OSMRE Principal Deputy Director, commented on the impact of this funding: "The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law infuses coal communities with the funding necessary to turn past pollution into future prosperity."
This announcement adds to nearly $92.9 million already allocated to Ohio for AML reclamation in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 under the same agenda. Over $674 million in awards have been granted for fiscal year 2024 so far.
AML reclamation projects support jobs by closing dangerous mine shafts, reclaiming unstable slopes, improving water quality by treating acid mine drainage, and restoring water supplies affected by mining activities. The funds can also be used for economic revitalization projects like recreational facilities or advanced manufacturing and renewable energy deployment.
The funding is part of broader efforts by the Biden-Harris administration aimed at ensuring an equitable transition to a sustainable economy after mines or power plants close. It aligns with the Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to direct 40 percent of federal investment benefits towards disadvantaged communities.
Reclaiming abandoned coal mines is also a key component of the administration’s Methane Action Plan aimed at reducing methane emissions while fostering job creation and innovation.
