Pennsylvania lawmakers introduce bills to tackle “zombie mines”

Federal lawmakers from Pennsylvania have introduced new legislation to address unclaimed “zombie mines,” which are long-standing idled coal mines. The two bills are part of a national legislative package developed with the Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center and Appalachian Voices. The legislation aims to strengthen mine cleanup requirements and ensure coal companies are financially responsible for reclaiming mined land. “It hurts our drinking water, our health, fishing and swimming and more suffer. It creates risks like mudslides and flooding. Growing up, I thought it was normal that you’d see these orange streams around here. That’s not a normal thing. That is something that we have that requires these companies to take care of when they’re done, and that damage can last for decades,” Rep. Chris Deluzio said. Advocates say these mines are not only a public safety issue but also harm the region economically. Representatives Summer Lee and Chris Deluzio hope the legislation will close loopholes, address weak bonding requirements, and reduce corporate influence.

Federal lawmakers from Pennsylvania have introduced new legislation to address unclaimed “zombie mines,” which are long-standing idled coal mines.

The two bills are part of a national legislative package developed with the Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center and Appalachian Voices. The legislation aims to strengthen mine cleanup requirements and ensure coal companies are financially responsible for reclaiming mined land.

“It hurts our drinking water, our health, fishing and swimming and more suffer. It creates risks like mudslides and flooding. Growing up, I thought it was normal that you’d see these orange streams around here. That’s not a normal thing. That is something that we have that requires these companies to take care of when they’re done, and that damage can last for decades,” Rep. Chris Deluzio said.

Advocates say these mines are not only a public safety issue but also harm the region economically. Representatives Summer Lee and Chris Deluzio hope the legislation will close loopholes, address weak bonding requirements, and reduce corporate influence.