IL representatives propose MINES Act for coal mine collapse accountability

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WCIA) — A bipartisan proposal has been brought forth by Illinois U.S. Representatives to unveil the federal government’s efforts towards preventing coal mine collapses.

The Monitoring, Investigating, Navigating and Explaining Subsidence (MINES) Act was brought forth by Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) and Mike Bost (R-IL-12), as well as Alex Mooney (R-WV-02) and Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08).

This would require the U.S. Department of the Interiors Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to provide a report to Congress on the steps they’ve taken to prevent coal mining sites from caving in. It would also require them to disclose how they handle the local economic consequences of coal mine collapses.

Budkinzki said this legislation hits close to home.

“In Central Illinois, we’ve seen firsthand the danger that mine collapses pose to our communities safety and livelihoods. A year since a mine collapsed underneath a Belleville grocery store, the store remains closed and folks continue to struggle to access nutritious food. From store, school and road closures to the displacement of residents from their homes, these events can be devastating,” she said. “With millions of Americans living in close proximity to abandoned mines including many of my constituents it’s critical that we improve our understanding of how to prevent the subsidence of coal mines and make our communities more resilient in the aftermath.”

Collapsed mines in Albers have also occurred, and have abruptly left families without homes. Bost agreed that the act would improve the health and safety of Illinoisans, especially those in his district.

“Southern Illinois is coal country. Mining is in our blood. Across my district there are many abandoned mines, left empty and uninspected. We shouldn’t wait for disaster to strike before taking action to prevent collapses or costly accidents,” he said. “This legislation will add more transparency and accountability from the government, requiring public reports on the state of our mines. I’m proud to support these reforms to provide the people of Southern Illinois the peace of mind they deserve.”

Mooney and Cartwright, who oversee districts in other states, agree that the proposal is the first step toward improving subsidence prevention and response efforts. Officials say there are expansive amounts of abandoned coal mines across the U.S. These mines are especially susceptible to collapsing, which can in turn endanger the communities built on top of them.

To read the entirety of the proposed MINES Act, click here .

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