Alex Amend, alex.amend@sierraclub.org, 404-457-8937
WASHINGTON -- Today, Senator Joe Manchin re-introduced the RECLAIM Act and legislation to reauthorize the Abandoned Mine Lands fund in the Senate, which builds on the House’s passage of bipartisan legislation last month and President Biden’s recognition of reclamation as a clear opportunity to create jobs and spur economic development.
These bills would provide the funding required to recover and restore abandoned coal mines and the waters they pollute. This would advance community redevelopment, wildlife protection, and outdoor recreation while creating economic opportunities in agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy. Together, these bills will create an estimated 13,000 new reclamation jobs in Appalachia right away.
Karan Ireland, Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Senior Campaign Representative for Central Appalachia, released the following statement:
“We applaud Senator Manchin for his leadership in introducing these two much needed pieces of legislation that will help jumpstart the economic and environmental restoration of coal country. These are solutions devised and supported by our communities who for generations have powered this country and are now most impacted by the decline of the coal industry. Now is the time to pass these bills into law so that we can begin to reclaim, restore, and rebuild a better Appalachia for all.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.