Brian Willis: 202.675.23865, Brian.Willis@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA) and Hal Rogers (R-KY) introduced the bipartisan RECLAIM Act today in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation will provide $1 billion to states historically dependent on the coal industry for economic development and diversification programs geared toward cleaning up abandoned mining sites. The money will be distributed over the course of five years.
In response, Bill Price, Organizing Manager for Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign in Charleston, West Virginia, released the following statement:
“We applaud Congressman Cartwright for introducing this vital piece of legislation to help communities historically dependent on the coal industry transition to new economic opportunities, while also cleaning up the dangerous abandoned mines that pose serious health risks to their families.
“The RECLAIM Act should act as a stepping stone for many future bills that not only invest in transitioning communities with the dignity they deserve, but also shore up coal worker pension funds and healthcare benefits. It’s essential that we continue to fight for communities that have been dependent on the coal industry so that they can build diverse, thriving economies with good paying jobs and long-term stability. They deserve nothing less.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.