WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 15, 2016) Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Mark Warner (D-VA) announced the introduction of the RECLAIM Act. This bill would invest $1 billion into communities impacted by the decline of the coal industry with the aim of creating new jobs and development opportunities through the reclamation of abandoned coal mines. The BlueGreen Alliance released the following statement from Executive Director Kim Glas:

“We applaud the introduction of the RECLAIM Act in the U.S. Senate. By investing in the reclamation of coal mines across the country, the RECLAIM Act will seek to reinvigorate these communities by helping to create viable industries and thriving economies that provide family-sustaining jobs. It is imperative that we recognize how communities and workers who risked their health and safety to power our nation are being impacted and ensure that no worker or community is left behind. The RECLAIM Act is an important first step to accomplishing that.”