The Department of the Interior’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) today announced the availability of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation grants, which will provide $2,802,000 million to Oklahoma to reclaim abandoned coal mines. More than $300 million in AML Reclamation funding will be available to states and tribes in FY 2018.

“Restoring the usability of abandoned mine lands is an example of the Department of the Interior’s multiple-use mission of conservation in action. Interior will continue helping states and tribes responsibly develop America’s energy resources and address legacy problems related to 200 years of mining,” said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. “AML grants keep Americans working and making a difference in their communities. This money will be used to fix highwalls, stabilize land above underground mines and repair impaired waters, among other things. AML reclamation makes life better in our Nation’s coal communities.”

“Coal mining in eastern Oklahoma has helped provide good-paying jobs in Oklahoma just as we expect it will do so for years to come,” said Congressman Markwayne Mullin. “In the aftermath of mining in our coal communities, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission took the initiative to invest back in coal country by reclaiming over 70,000 acres of its Oklahoma coal mines. These grants from the Department of Interior will go even further to repurpose former state and tribal coal mines so that Oklahoma’s coal communities can continue to utilize the surrounding land and energy resources.  I want to thank Secretary Zinke for including Oklahoma in his conservation efforts so we can continue to develop our energy resources safely and responsibly.”

“I’m pleased Oklahoma received this grant to reclaim abandoned coal mines," said Senator James M. Inhofe. "Responsible conservation efforts mean we can continue to develop energy sources while rehabilitating abandoned sites for future economic activity. With abandoned sites in 16 counties, Oklahoma landowners and local economies will benefit from this added investment in our natural resources.”

Approximately $120 million of the increase from FY 2017 is the result of a phase-in period for states and tribes to receive certified in lieu funds that were withheld under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) between FY 2009 and FY 2011.

Those states and tribes that have certified that they have completed their abandoned mine land reclamation obligations will receive $61 million dollars in FY 2018 and FY 2019, in addition to the certified in lieu funds those states and tribes otherwise receive each year from the U.S. Treasury. Uncertified states will also receive an increase of the same amount in those years. A small portion of the increase in AML funding is attributed to an upturn in U.S. coal production. The total amount available for distribution was reduced by the mandated sequestration amount of 6.6 percent that was applied across the board.

OSMRE provides AML grants to the 28 coal-producing states and tribes according to a congressionally mandated formula based on their past and current coal production. Each year, after the distribution is announced, eligible states and tribes apply for annual reclamation grants to access money in their allocations. After OSMRE has evaluated and verified the requests, the bureau will make the award amounts available.

Under the AML program, OSMRE has distributed more than $5 billion in grants to states and tribes from the Abandoned Mine Land Fund. Over the past 40 years, the AML program has directly contributed to closing more than 43,000 abandoned underground mine shafts and openings; eliminating nearly 1,000 miles of highwalls; and restoring over 35,000 acres of streams and land.

To watch videos featuring award-winning AML projects, please visit OSMRE’s YouTube Channel.