Biden Administration Allocates $725 Million for Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation

The Department of the Interior has announced a significant step forward in the Biden administration’s Investing in America agenda. Nearly $725 million is now available to 22 states and the Navajo Nation to create good-paying jobs and boost economic opportunities by reclaiming abandoned mine lands (AML). This funding is part of the $11.3 billion investment in AML reclamation provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aligning with President Biden’s environmental justice goals.

Abandoned mine lands, remnants of the once-thriving coal industry, now pose serious environmental and safety hazards. These sites leach toxic chemicals into the soil and water, cause land subsidence, and fuel underground fires. The newly allocated funds aim to transform these polluted areas, ensuring that coal communities are not left behind. The reclamation projects will provide jobs for displaced coal workers and promote economic revitalization, clean air, and water.

AML reclamation efforts focus on closing dangerous mine shafts, stabilizing slopes, treating acid mine drainage, and restoring water supplies. Additionally, these projects facilitate economic growth by repurposing hazardous lands for recreational facilities, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy projects. States and Tribes are encouraged to prioritize hiring current and former coal industry workers, promoting local employment.

“The Biden-Harris administration is committed to helping working families, often in rural and Tribal communities, who face hazardous Pollution and land subsidence both during mining and long after coal companies have moved on,” stated Secretary Deb Haaland. “Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are making historic investments to help revitalize local economies and Support reclamation jobs that help put people to work in their communities, all while addressing environmental impacts from these legacy developments.”

Already, over $1.4 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has been utilized in the first two years to plan and execute projects protecting homes and infrastructure from subsidence, creating new recreation opportunities, and cleaning up polluted streams. The overall AML funding is expected to reclaim the majority of inventoried abandoned mine lands.

This funding is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s broader efforts to Support an equitable transition to a sustainable economy and healthier environment. It advances the Justice40 Initiative, aiming to deliver 40 percent of certain federal investment benefits to disadvantaged communities. Moreover, reclaiming abandoned coal mines is integral to the Methane Action Plan, targeting significant reductions in methane emissions while creating jobs and fostering innovation.

Eligible states and Tribes can now apply for the formula-based funding allocations, following the release of final guidance on how to access this historic funding.

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