WASHINGTON, D.C.–Billions of funding for abandoned mine land cleanup could stimulate the economy across Appalachia while also producing jobs that would be a natural fit for coal miners, according to a new report.
The U.S. Senate Energy Committee passed out a broad-ranging bill with $95 billion for energy technologies and infrastructure. To go into effect, the bill would still need to be passed by the full Congress. It is part of a broader, bipartisan infrastructure proposal that has started moving in the Senate.
Among many provisions, the bill includes $11.2 billion in new funding to clean up abandoned mine lands and the re-authorization of the Abandoned Mine Lands fund. Annual distributions to West Virginia, Ohio, and Virginia for cleanup would increase by about 8 to 10 times.
States would have 15 years — until 2036 — to spend the money.
Morgantown-based Downstream Strategies assessed the economic impact in Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia. The research concludes the legislation’s investments in abandoned mine reclamation and clean-up will create nearly $7 billion in new economic activity and 2,700 jobs in the three Appalachian states
“It would provide crucial economic stimulus for communities hard hit by the decline of coal,” said Joey James, principal and researcher from Downstream Strategies.
He said the research shows “that not only would it go a long way toward addressing some of the legacy mining issues facing our communities, but it would provide crucial economic stimulus to communities hit hard by the decline of coal.”
In West Virginia, 1,730 jobs would be created and $4.3 billion in economic output generated over 15 years, the research concluded. Ohio would add 680 jobs and $1.8 billion, while Virginia would add 300 jobs and $790 million.
“It is a huge opportunity, a big infusion of resources. Here is a way we can make up for the job loss and displacement of our coal workers,” said Angie Rosser, executive director of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition.
But she said big questions remain to assure the most benefit comes from the massive spending investment.