WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) reintroduced legislation to invest in Ohio’s coal communities to create jobs and spur economic growth.  

“Ohio coal communities helped build and power this country and they deserve our respect and attention,” said Brown. “This investment would provide a down payment toward creating new jobs and giving local communities across Appalachia the financial tools they need to grow.” 

The legislation will promote economic growth and job creation by reclaiming abandoned mining lands and restoring these lands and waters to develop them for future use. Brown introduced the Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More (RECLAIM) Act along with U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Bob Casey (D-PA) yesterday.

A decrease in coal production has disproportionately impacted Ohio communities that have historically relied on the industry for their economic livelihoods. The RECLAIM Act aims to support the development of new economic and community development opportunities in impacted coal communities by utilizing $1 billion in existing funds from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund to direct toward these communities.

 

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