Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 45 (originating in the Committee on Energy, Industry and Mining)--Urging Congress provide additional funding from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund to finance future water projects in West Virginia.
Whereas, In 1977 the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act was enacted, establishing an Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund financed by a fee assessed on every ton of coal mined for the purpose of restoring previously mined but unreclaimed lands; and
Whereas, To date over $6 billion has been collected from the coal industry to mitigate the hazards associated with abandoned coal mine lands, such as dangerous highwalls, impoundments, open mine portals and contaminated water supplies; and
Whereas, West Virginia has received almost $200 million from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund to finance the reclamation of abandoned coal mine land sites in the state but the Legislature is of the firm conviction that additional funding is vital to the success of future reclamation and water projects within this state; and
Whereas, The discrepancy between fee collections and expenditures is widening, with approximately $285 million collected in fiscal year 2001 but only $172 million appropriated; and
Whereas, A balance of $1.5 billion currently exists in the Federal Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund; and
Whereas, The threat to the health, safety and general welfare of coalfield citizens from the hazards associated with abandoned coal mine sites is unacceptable and must be mitigated; and
Whereas, The expenditure of funds for abandoned mine reclamation projects not only enhances the coalfield environment but creates jobs in the construction of such projects; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That Congress is hereby urged to provide additional funding from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund to finance future water projects in West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the United States House of Representatives, the United States Senate and each member of the West Virginia congressional delegation.