Press Releases

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright released the following statement after the House Committee on Natural Resources passed H.R. 1731, the RECLAIM Act.  The bill now heads to the House floor for consideration.

“It’s vital to address the often devastating environmental legacy of abandoned mines. I’m proud to be the lead Democrat on a bill that goes a long way towards addressing the needs of communities most affected by the collapse of the coal industry.

“The RECLAIM Act would release $1 billion from the existing AML Fund to boost economic growth in regions that have relied on the coal industry. In Pennsylvania, nearly $300 million is expected to be distributed over the next 5 years.

“This bipartisan, bicameral compromise bill directs the bulk of the funds to the most deserving projects to restore our land, put people back to work, and reinvigorate our communities.”