U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA) today introduced the RECLAIM Act and a bill to reauthorize the Abandoned Mine Lands reclamation fee. The RECLAIM Act would commit existing funds to clean up abandoned coal mines and spur economic development and diversification in impacted communities. In response to the bill introduction, the BlueGreen Alliance released the following statement from Executive Director Jason Walsh:

“As we grow the clean economy it is imperative that we ensure that no worker or community is left behind. The reintroduction of the RECLAIM Act and a bill reauthorizing the Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) reclamation fee is a win for communities hurt by America’s energy transition, a win for workers, and a win for the environment. Reclaiming abandoned mine lands—and doing so in ways that will reinvigorate and diversify the economies of local communities—means cleaner air and water and the creation of good jobs.”