RECLAIM Act: Here’s How You Can Help

From Kentuckians For The Commonwealth:

Thanks to the action of thousands of folks like yourself across the country, the RECLAIM Act has been re-introduced in Congress and had a hearing April 5. This bill would bring $1 billion dollars to coal-impacted communities struggling with the decline of the industry to clean up old, abandoned mines and could create economic revitalization. However…the bill needs a lot of work, and needs your help.

In early April, the bill was introduced in both the House and the Senate by Congressman Hal Rogers and Senator Mitch McConnell. This comes after intense grassroots pressure on McConnell–folks showing up at all seven of his offices, delivering 10,000 petition signatures–at the end of last Congress. Senator McConnell is finally hearing citizens on this issue. However, the language in this new version of the bill includes provisions that de-prioritize economic development and community engagement. Learn more here.

This bill has great potential but needs fixed, and your voice can help do that.

What can you do today?

1. Register for the upcoming video call to get updated on the bill, learn what happens at the hearing today, and learn action steps you can take to improve the bill and help it pass.

What’s up with the RECLAIM Act? Update and Action Video Call

Monday, April 10

8:00 pm EST

Register at: kftc.org/reclaim-action-call

Register even if you can’t make the live call, and we’ll send you call notes and action steps.

2. Call your Congressperson and Senator and ask them to put economic development back into the bill. Ask to leave a message and tell them:

“The RECLAIM Act is a bill that has great potential to help the communities that have helped power America for more than a century. As the coal industry is in decline, these communities need the $1 billion investment to clean up abandoned mine sites. However, the bill needs fixed. Please put back the provisions in the bill that prioritize economic development and community engagement for all projects that would receive RECLAIM Act funds.”

Call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121. You can also find the direct number to any member’s office at the Senate phone list or the House phone list.

3. Look for updates at KFTC’s Facebook page.

Thanks for all you do to help create a bright future in coal communities.