What does AMLF mean in FUNDS

The Abandoned Mine Land Fund (AMLF) is a federal fund established by the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to address the environmental and safety hazards posed by abandoned coal mines. The fund is used to reclaim and restore these sites, mitigating their impacts on the environment and local communities.

The AMLF is primarily funded through a fee levied on the production and importation of coal. These fees are collected by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and deposited into the AMLF.

States, Indian tribes, and other governmental entities are eligible to receive AMLF funding. These entities must demonstrate that they have abandoned mine lands within their jurisdiction that pose environmental or safety hazards.

AMLF funding can be used for a wide range of projects, including:

• Reclamation of abandoned mine lands, including grading, revegetation, and water treatment
• Mitigation of hazards posed by abandoned mines, such as unstable slopes, subsidence, and water contamination
• Research and development related to abandoned mine land reclamation and hazard mitigation

AMLF projects are selected for funding based on a competitive application process. States, tribes, and other eligible entities must submit proposals that describe their proposed projects and demonstrate their need for funding. The proposals are evaluated by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) based on factors such as the severity of the environmental or safety hazards posed by the abandoned mine land, the feasibility of the proposed project, and the cost-effectiveness of the project.