Bill Overview
Title: RECLAIM Act of 2021
Description: This bill revises requirements concerning the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund, including by expanding the eligible uses of the fund. Specifically, the bill allows the fund to be used to provide support for economic revitalization, diversification, and development in economically distressed mining communities through the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by abandoned coal mines. In addition, it requires specified amounts to be annually distributed from the fund through FY2026 to states and Indian tribes for reclaiming and restoring lands and waters so affected.
Sponsors: Rep. Cartwright, Matt [D-PA-8]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals in economically distressed coal mining communities globally
Estimated Size: 1200000
- The target population consists of individuals living in economically distressed mining communities affected by abandoned coal mines.
- In the United States, there are several regions known as the Appalachian region, parts of the Western United States, and other areas that have historically depended on coal mining.
- Economic revitalization efforts in these communities will likely affect local businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and other social infrastructure benefiting both direct and indirect residents.
- The expansion of the use of the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund implies these projects are intended to bring economic development, which would affect both the employers and employees in these areas.
- According to recent data, the population of impacted areas in the Appalachian region includes over 25 million residents across 420 counties, not all of whom live in distressed mining communities, but the higher risk areas overlap with these counties.
Reasoning
- The policy is targeting economically distressed mining communities; therefore, the interviews should focus on individuals directly and indirectly associated with these communities, covering a range of professions and living situations.
- Individuals from both the Appalachian region and possibly some parts of the Western United States should be included given the geographic impact of the coal industry.
- Interviews should include perspectives from people whose professions may be affected by economic changes spurred by the policy, such as miners, local business owners, educators, and health professionals.
- The RECLAIM Act's impact might not only involve immediate economic benefits but also long-term improvements in environmental and social conditions, which should be reflected in the simulated interviews.
- Consideration must be given to families or individuals who moved away but might return if conditions improve due to the policy.
- Some individuals might remain unaffected if their livelihoods are not directly tied to coal communities or if they already live in more prosperous areas unrelated to coal mining.
Simulated Interviews
Former Coal Miner (Harlan, Kentucky)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy sounds like it could bring jobs back by cleaning up the land and maybe starting new businesses.
- I worry about how long it will take before we see any change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Local Business Owner (Beckley, West Virginia)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If more people start working, they'll spend more locally, which could help my store.
- I'm hoping this policy means more opportunities for my children here.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired Coal Worker (Pike County, Ohio)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad to hear there'll be cleanup initiatives; the water has been questionable for years.
- I'm not sure how much it'll change for me personally, but it's good for the community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Environmental Scientist (Charleston, West Virginia)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could be a great boost to local reclamation projects, encouraging more sustainable practices.
- I see this as a step towards better working conditions and a cleaner environment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Graduate Student (Huntington, West Virginia)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen firsthand the economic struggles back home. This policy could mean hope for my family and friends.
- I'd like to see real change come from this, measurable change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 4 |
Public School Teacher (Boone County, West Virginia)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful this policy might lead to better funding for schools as communities get back on their feet.
- The long-term benefits could keep our younger generations in their hometowns.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Healthcare Worker (Fairmont, West Virginia)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Hopefully, cleaner environments will mean less respiratory diseases and better overall health in the community.
- More jobs could make healthcare more accessible as people can afford plans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Community Leader (Hazard, Kentucky)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been advocating for such policies for years. The RECLAIM Act could finally bring some change.
- It's crucial this policy considers all voices in our communities, from young to old.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 4 |
Construction Worker (Logan, West Virginia)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this act provides more construction projects for reclamation, it means steady work for folks like me.
- I'm hopeful but cautious about promises turning into actions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
High School Student (Charleston, West Virginia)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This sounds like a step in the right direction. If it can improve job prospects, it might keep more young people like me around.
- Seeing action towards cleaner and more diverse opportunities would be encouraging.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $200000000 (Low: $180000000, High: $220000000)
Year 2: $205000000 (Low: $185000000, High: $225000000)
Year 3: $210000000 (Low: $190000000, High: $230000000)
Year 5: $220000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $240000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The breadth and depth of economic distress in affected communities will influence the efficiency and sustainability of the Act's impact.
- Collaboration with state and tribal authorities will be crucial for targeted and effective allocation of funds.
- Long-term environmental benefits may improve public health and reduce related healthcare costs.
- The actual effectiveness depends on the successful implementation and oversight of reclamation projects.