WASHINGTON, DC (June 27, 2017) – The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources today passed the bipartisan Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More (RECLAIM) Act of 2017. This legislation would provide an immediate economic boost to coal communities by releasing $1 billion to reclaim abandoned coal mines. This money could put people to work reclaiming mines sites, which could also serve as locations for long-term economic opportunities to create permanent, local jobs.

Following the committee vote, the BlueGreen Alliance released the following statement from Executive Director Kim Glas:

“We applaud the House Committee on Natural Resources for passing this bill today. The RECLAIM Act is an important step toward revitalizing coal communities across the country by providing much needed resources to not only reclaim these abandoned mines, but to provide economic opportunities at a time when these communities are seeking to bring new jobs and industries to their regions.

“In particular, we are pleased with the passage of an amendment offered by Rep. Beyer (VA-8), which ensures the bill stays true to its original intent and creates real long-term opportunities for working families in coal states across America.

“We urge the House to move swiftly to bring this bill up for a vote.”