WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Bob Casey has successfully secured $245,082,772 to address the long-standing issue of abandoned mine lands across the state. This funding, part of the third round from the U.S. Department of the Interior, is set to create jobs and rejuvenate rural and energy communities throughout the Commonwealth while tackling the environmental and health hazards posed by legacy mining sites.
The funding is sourced from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), a landmark piece of legislation that Senator Casey played a crucial role in passing. This act has been instrumental in providing the financial resources needed to reclaim abandoned mine lands, thereby mitigating the adverse impacts of past coal mining activities that have left Pennsylvania’s landscapes scarred and its waterways polluted.
Senator Casey has been a long-time advocate for these efforts, recognizing the vital need to support communities historically dependent on coal mining. “I have long fought to help Pennsylvania’s coal communities overcome the legacy of abandoned mine pollution, which has ravaged landscapes, damaged property, and threatened the health of far too many Pennsylvanians,” stated Casey, emphasizing his commitment to not leaving these regions behind.
The allocation of over $735 million to Pennsylvania from the IIJA across multiple funding rounds underscores the importance of sustained investment in environmental restoration. In addition to direct reclamation efforts, Casey has actively worked on legislative measures such as the STREAM Act, designed to provide states with greater flexibility in addressing the long-term environmental challenges associated with abandoned mine lands, including acid mine drainage (AMD). AMD remains a critical concern as it continues to contaminate rivers and streams, with far-reaching ecological consequences.
Beyond immediate cleanup efforts, Senator Casey has also focused on economic revitalization for areas impacted by the decline of the coal industry. Notable initiatives include the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program, which recently allocated over $28.6 million for economic development projects. In March 2024, Casey announced a $90 million investment from the infrastructure law for the development of solar facilities on former mine lands in Clearfield County, a project projected to power 70,000 homes annually.
Senator Casey’s continued advocacy and the strategic deployment of these funds represent a significant step forward in restoring Pennsylvania’s environment, supporting its communities, and fostering sustainable economic growth. As these efforts progress, they promise not only to heal the land but also to provide a brighter future for the generations to come.
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