This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia to allow the Department of Environmental Protection to deposit funds received from federal programs, specifically the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Safeguarding Treatment for the Restoration of Ecosystems from Abandoned Mines Act, into the state's Abandoned Land Reclamation Fund. The bill updates existing provisions regarding the management and allocation of funds for the reclamation of abandoned mine lands, ensuring that these federal funds can be utilized effectively for environmental restoration and public health initiatives.

Key changes include the insertion of language that clarifies the secretary's authority to retain a percentage of federal grants for specific reclamation purposes, as well as the continuation of special accounts for the Reclamation and Restoration Fund and the Acid Mine Drainage Abatement and Treatment Fund. The bill also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing public health and safety in reclamation efforts, while allowing for the use of funds for the construction of public facilities in communities affected by coal development, contingent upon the availability of other federal funding sources.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-2-4