Yesterday, Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) introduced H.R. 2937, the “Community Reclamation Partnerships Act.” This bill authorizes partnerships between states and non-governmental entities for the purposes of expanding abandoned mine reclamation projects.

“I commend Rep. LaHood for his leadership to build bipartisan consensus on legislation that will help solve a pressing national challenge. With thousands of abandoned mine lands across the country, ‘Community Reclaimers’ can aid in the cleanup up of these sites on a much broader scale and a faster pace. I look forward with our colleagues across the aisle as we move this bill through Committee and on to the House floor,” Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) said.

“While mining is an important part of Illinois’ economy, abandoned mines continue to present safety dangers and missed opportunities for new development. That is why I have introduced this bill, which would protect third-party groups from frivolous lawsuits when they attempt to clean up or re-purpose these abandoned mines. No group should be punished for wanting to help out their local community in this way,” LaHood said. “I look forward to seeing this bill move forward with bipartisan support.”

Background

H.R. 2937 addresses impediments potential “Community Reclaimers” face in the reclamation process by allowing states to assume liability on their behalf, shielding them from any undue legal liability under the law. The legislation incentivizes non-governmental organizations to contribute their resources towards much-needed reclamation projects. 

The bill is scheduled for a Full Committee markup beginning on Thursday, June 22.