Feds Open Grant For State To Count And Clean Up Abandoned Coal Mine Sites

By Shaun Griswold, Source New Mexico

August 12, 2022

New Mexico could soon have money to build an inventory of exactly how many coal mines were abandoned in the state before 1977.

The Interior Department announced earlier this month that the state can now apply for $2.4 million as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by Congress in 2021, a key element of President Biden’s goal to fund projects across the country.

More than $11.5 billion for abandoned mine cleanup was appropriated in the bill. This money will be distributed over the span of 15-years. The first round includes $725 million available for 22 states and the Navajo Nation, which can apply for up to $1.6 million to clean up coal mines on tribal land.

According to the state’s Abandoned Mine Land Program, "more than 15,000 sites exist, but it’s unclear how many are specially coal mine sites."

The predominant region for abandoned coal mines in New Mexico exists in the San Juan Basin, located in the Four Corners. Navajo Nation Eastern Agency sites are located in this area. The map of legacy sites is kept by the state’s Coal Mine Reclamation Program that was created in the 1980s.

According to the N.M. Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, “Abandoned coal mines can create such problems as mine fires and subsidence holes, even after the initial coal mine entrances are closed.”

"On top of this funding, Congress reauthorized a fee on coal companies to pay for abandoned mine cleanup that will give New Mexico an additional $2.8 million to help with the sites here," said a spokesperson with the state’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources department.

New Mexico officials said they plan to have their proposal to the Interior Department within the coming weeks.

As part of their application, the state must show how the money will be invested in “disadvantaged communities” and prioritize projects that “maximizes the amount of methane emissions that can be reduced.”

The feds would also like states and tribes to create plans that emphasize employment opportunities for former coal workers to help with cleanup efforts.

Source New Mexico, an independent, nonprofit news organization, delivers original reporting and stories that center the lived experiences and expertise of the people of New Mexico, alongside insightful opinion and analysis. Source New Mexico is part of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers.