–December 14 Charleston Gazette more…

Congress approves bill extending abandoned mine program

The measure, part of a larger bill, would reauthorize the national coal mine reclamation program for 15 years at a cost of $5 billion. The House had approved the legislation on Friday; it now awaits the president’s signature. more…

Rockefeller Announces Victory in Congress for Funding Miners’ Health Care

A long-time advocate of coal miners, U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-WV has announced that, in the waning hours of the 109th Congress, the Senate agreed to provide billions of dollars to help fund promised lifetime health benefits for retired miners and their widows, as well as the cleanup of West Virginia’s old, abandoned mines. more…

Mining rep: Go slow on abandoned mine money

Go slow on spending Wyoming’s $550 million back payment of abandoned mine reclamation funds, officials said Thursday.

If President Bush signs the bill, Wyoming and the other coal states will receive the money with no strings, allowing the Legislature to make spending choices.

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********Other News Items from Coal Country********

Coal companies could pay more for cleanup

Bonds posted by coal mining companies to ensure they clean up work areas could be drastically increased if Ohio lawmakers approve a bill expected to go before the Senate today.  December 14 Marietta Times article.  more…

New chair vows new focus for House panel

The committee‘s agenda is dominated by the West‘s public lands, forest and water issues, and traditionally it‘s chairman has been a westerner. Rahall, elected to Congress in 1976, promised empathy for Western issues because of his familiarity with the similar mines and problems of Appalachia. more…

Maryland coal mining’s toxic legacy

In the woods at the fringe of this Western Maryland town, a mountain of waste 50 feet high is slouching into a creek that’s tinted an eerie orange. more…