Keystone Today

Pennsylvania has thousands of abandoned mines across the state. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf stated that Pennsylvania is eligible for approximately $26.5 million in grant money through the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund. 

This will lead to abandoned mine remediation projects that could reduce methane emissions, which are known to be a major catalyst of climate change, according to a March 4 press release from Wolf’s office. The funds were made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the grants will be extended through 2034, the Pennsylvania Business Report said. The grant money is on top of the $244.9 million that was put aside through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to clean up abandoned mines.

“This annual funding allows Pennsylvania to continue its ongoing efforts to clean up our 5,000 abandoned mines and repurpose the land, which will not only lead to environmental and economic recovery for those communities but also support good-paying jobs,” Wolf said in the release. “I’m grateful that the Biden administration recognizes the need to support Pennsylvania and other states that are addressing this legacy issue, which presents environmental, public health, and public safety risks.” 

The reclamation projects are also good for the state’s economy, as the hazardous land can be reclaimed for recreational facilities and other economic redevelopment endeavors such as advanced manufacturing and renewable energy, according to the release.

“AML [Abandonded Mine Land] reclamation projects support vitally needed jobs for coal communities by investing in projects that close dangerous mine shafts, reclaim unstable slopes, improve water quality by treating acid mine drainage, and restore water supplies damaged by mining,” the release said.