Reclaiming Abandoned Mines: Coal Country’s Toxic Legacy Offers Assets

"New legislation could help states and tribes clean up decades-old mining liabilities and restore the environment while creating needed jobs."

"Mined lands reclaimed for biking trails, office parks — even a winery. Efforts like these are already underway in Appalachia to reclaim the region’s toxic history, restore blighted lands, and create economic opportunities in areas where decades-old mines haven’t been properly cleaned up.

The projects are sorely needed. And so are many more. But the money to fund and enable them remains elusive.

Mining production is falling, which is good news for tackling climate change and air pollution, but Appalachia and other coal states are also feeling the economic pain that comes with it. And that loss is more acute on top of pandemic-related revenue shortfalls and the mounting bills from the industry’s environmental degradation."

Tara Lohan reports for The Revelator March 29, 2021.

Source: The Revelator, 03/30/2021