AML Fund Reauthorization… Time to get it done
by Bruce Golden, Regional Coordinator
For a while, a reauthorization and revamp of federal abandoned mine lands legislation (SMCRA Title IV) seemed tantalizingly close. For Pennsylvania and other states with significant abandoned mine problems, Senate Bill S.2616 seems to have the magic formula to substantially increase abandoned mine reclamation funding over the next 15 years. It would also give a payout to the western coal producing states, heath care coverage to retired mine workers who’ve lost benefits from bankrupt companies, and light at the end of the tunnel for coal operators to a time they’d no longer be paying a reclamation fee on every ton of coal produced. S.2616 has something for most everybody with an interest in the matter.
Alas, in the mysterious ways of Congress, the language of S.2616 was attached to a larger bill (the so-called Trifecta bill, H.R.5970) that has a snowball’s chance of ever being passed. Some skeptics suggested S.2616 was purposely scuttled by political chicanery. Whatever the case, S.2616 deserves better. The citizens of coal-producing states deserve better. It’s time to deliver new legislation that adequately addresses the tremendous reclamation needs imposed by a century of unregulated mining. S.2616 does that.
How do we go about getting it done? Collectively urging PA Senators Santorum and Specter to attach the language of S.2616 to a viable bill is probably the most effective way to get the action that’s needed. They have the power and prestige necessary to see this through. Pennsylvania needs a new law incorporating S.2616, not an excuse why we don’t have one. Tell our Pennsylvania Senators we need the legislation, and we need it now.
For more information, contact Bruce Golden: bruce@wpcamr.org or 724-837-5271.
Senators’ contact information:
Senator Rick Santorum
Senator Arlen Specter
S.2616 Text and Information
from the Library of Congress