Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program
Stored: Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Department of the Interior |
| Top Organization | N/A |
| Creation Legislation | [[Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977]] |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | |
| Program Start | |
| Initial Funding | |
| Duration | |
| Historic | No |
Overview
The Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program (AML) addresses the legacy of pre-1977 abandoned coal mines across the U.S. Its purpose is to reclaim land, making it safe and environmentally stable. Notable aspects include working with states and tribes on reclamation projects and utilizing fees from current coal production for funding.
Goals
- Mitigate safety hazards on abandoned coal mine lands.
- Treat and manage environmental issues like acid mine drainage.
- Revitalize land for community and economic use.
- Complete reclamation of all high priority abandoned sites.
Organization
Managed by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) within the Department of the Interior, the program operates through grants to states and tribes. Each state or tribe has an AML office that prioritizes and implements reclamation projects. Funding comes from a fee on coal production, supplemented by federal legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Impact and Outcomes
- **Achievements**: Reclaimed millions of acres, closed thousands of mine openings, and treated numerous acid mine drainage sites. - **Challenges**: Vast amount of work remaining with an estimated unfunded liability of over $10 billion. - **Unintended Consequences**: Potential for environmental disruption during reclamation if not carefully managed.
- Sponsor:
* Federal Agency: Department of the Interior * Sponsoring Office: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
Background and History
Established by the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, the AML program was created to address the environmental and safety issues left by coal mining before federal regulations. Since its inception, it has evolved to include economic revitalization aspects, especially with new funding mechanisms like those from recent infrastructure laws.
Funding
- **Budget**: Funded by a fee on coal production, with recent boosts from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. - **Funding Sources**: Primarily coal fees, federal appropriations. - **Controversies**: Debates on the sustainability of funding as coal production decreases.
Implementation
The program follows a grant-based system where states and tribes apply for funds to carry out prioritized reclamation projects. There's no defined end date as long as there are lands needing reclamation.
- **Program Leader**: Various, typically State or Tribal AML Program Managers.
See Also
- Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977
- Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program
External Links
- https://www.osmre.gov/programs/aml.shtm
- State-specific AML websites, for example:
* https://dep.pa.gov/Business/Land/Mining/AbandonedMineLands/Pages/default.aspx (Pennsylvania)
wikipedia:Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program
Social media
- Not widely used by the program, but some states might have social media for their AML programs. Check individual state websites for details.
