Testimony of Jason Walsh to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources of the House Committee on Natural Resources
BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director Jason Walsh today testified in front of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources of the House Committee on Natural Resources at its legislative hearing on H.R. 4248 Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Amendments of 2019.
In his testimony, Walsh spoke about abandoned mine reclamation as an opportunity not only to safeguard environmental and public health, but to also improve the economic health of coal-dependent areas.
He concluded with, “reclamation is not just about cleaning up abandoned mines; it’s about helping to rebuild the communities that powered America. Coal communities are struggling like never before and are looking for a path to a brighter future. Abandoned mine lands can be transformed into engines of economic opportunity, creating stronger communities and ecosystems at the same time.”