REP. JENKINS HELPS REINTRODUCE RECLAIM ACT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) helped introduce bipartisan legislation today to allocate $1 billion in federal funds to revitalize and diversify coal communities and create new jobs.

The RECLAIM Act would release $1 billion from the existing Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund balance to help communities that have traditionally relied on coal production for jobs or have recently experienced significant coal job losses. Through this bill, nearly $200 million would be designated for West Virginia over five years, and the state would work with local communities to identify and fund economic development projects on abandoned mine sites.

“After eight years of the Obama administration’s war on coal, Appalachia needs help more than ever. Our towns, counties and states need the resources to rebuild, diversify our economy, attract new employers, create jobs, and give hope to the people who call Appalachia home. The RECLAIM Act will spur a new era of investment and revitalization in West Virginia and beyond. I commend Congressman Rogers, Senate Leader McConnell, and my fellow cosponsors for their passion for helping Appalachia and their commitment to getting our economy moving again,” Rep. Jenkins said.

Rep. Jenkins is an original cosponsor of the Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More (RECLAIM) Act, introduced by Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) and cosponsored by Reps. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.), Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) and Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.).

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also introduced the RECLAIM Act in the Senate Monday, joined by Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.).

“Over the last eight years, we’ve lost more than 13,000 coal mining jobs in Kentucky alone, and through this bill, we have an incredible opportunity to make sure that our coal-producing states can access funding that is readily available to restore our land and revive our economy. I applaud Senate Leader McConnell for leading the charge in the Senate to ensure this worthy bill makes headway in the new Congress,” Rep. Rogers said.

“It is no secret that coal communities in West Virginia have suffered significant economic damage after eight years of harmful anti-coal policies. Strengthening these distressed regions and creating an environment where job creation and business investment can thrive is one of my top priorities. The RECLAIM Act will help fund local projects that have the potential to help the region’s economy recover. I’m proud to join with my colleagues to introduce this important legislation,” Sen. Capito said.

“The AML Fund can provide resources for hard-hit coal communities to refuel their local economies. This funding will support reclamation projects that can create jobs in areas where jobs are much needed. Job creation and economic growth will bring much needed relief to Southwest Virginia and throughout Appalachia, where thousands of coal and coal-related jobs have been lost from the regulatory onslaught on the coal industry,” Rep. Griffith said.

The RECLAIM Act was also introduced in the 114th Congress with Rep. Jenkins as an original cosponsor.