From Appalachian Voices (http://www.appvoices.org/):
Today, three Appalachian leaders, including Erin Savage of Appalachian Voices, testified before Congress about how proper mine cleanup can help protect and revitalize coal communities.
One of the bills they discussed is the bipartisan STREAM Act, which would help states clean up acid mine drainage — one of the most visible and costly impacts of coal mining.
Acid mine drainage turns waterways rust-orange with dangerous pollution, and threatens the health of people and wildlife. Remediation of this pollution requires long-term water treatment facilities, and in turn, long-term funding.
Congress recently allocated billions of dollars to address abandoned coal mine pollution including acid mine drainage. But unfortunately, the new law does not allow states to set money aside for long-term acid mine drainage treatment facilities.
The new infrastructure funding from Congress will allow states with abandoned mines to revitalize streams and rivers that have been devastated by coal pollution, but we need to make sure states also have the freedom to spend this money on long-term treatment of acid mine drainage.
Tell your legislators to pass the STREAM Act at https://appvoices.org/tell-congress-to-clean-up-acid-mine-drainage/!
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