The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to authorize the Department of Environmental Protection to deposit federal grant money into specific state funds aimed at addressing issues related to abandoned mine lands. It allows for the deposit of federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Safeguarding Treatment for the Restoration of Ecosystems from Abandoned Mines Act into the Acid Mine Drainage Abatement and Treatment Fund and the Reclamation and Restoration Fund. Additionally, it permits the deposit of any other federal abandoned mine land reclamation money into other state funds established under state law.

The bill outlines the objectives of the abandoned land reclamation fund, detailing how the funds can be utilized for various reclamation and restoration efforts, including the treatment of water pollution from coal mine drainage and the restoration of land affected by past coal mining practices. It emphasizes the prioritization of public health and safety, environmental restoration, and the enhancement of public facilities impacted by coal mining. The legislation also clarifies the eligibility of lands for reclamation and drainage abatement expenditures, ensuring that funds are directed towards sites that meet specific criteria related to past mining operations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-2-4
Engrossed Version: 22-2-4
Enrolled Version: 22-2-4