Lawmakers seek data on environmental damage and costs of idled coal mines

Inside Climate News: Lawmakers, including two from Pennsylvania, are asking for a federal investigation into the full extent of environmental damage caused by what are known as “zombie” surface mines, which may technically still be considered active for coal extraction but have been idled for months or years and can leak toxic waste.

James Bruggers reports for Inside Climate News.

In a nutshell:

As the coal industry has declined, replaced by renewable energy sources, coal companies have experienced bankruptcy, delaying federally mandated land repair. Separate investigation requests, one backed by several House of Representatives members and another by Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), highlight potential financial risks to taxpayers, with concerns that lingering idle mines might increase the burden on public funds for land reclamation, especially with noted coal company bankruptcies since 2012.

Key quote:

“Some coal companies are idling mines and stalling reclamation to cut costs,” the lawmakers wrote to the GAO. “Because mine operators typically rely on coal revenue to fund reclamation, the longer a mine remains idle, the greater the risk that the operator may not have sufficient funds to pay for reclamation."

The big picture:

Idle "zombie" coal mines present not only environmental concerns but also potential health risks for nearby communities. Prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals leaked from these mines can lead to water and air contamination, potentially resulting in respiratory issues, waterborne diseases, and other health complications. Addressing the problem at its source—ensuring timely reclamation of these mines—becomes paramount not just for ecological restoration but also for safeguarding public health.

Read the article at Inside Climate News.

Kristina Marusic reported for EHN last year about the site of a former coal-fired power plant northwest of Pittsburgh that is leaking coal ash and poisoning surrounding groundwater.