Established in 1977 by the United States Congress and implemented by individual states, the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) regulates US coal mining and reclamation. This Science and Technology Note provides an overview of how regulations differ for mine land reclamation before and after SMCRA, as well as details about West Virginia’s post-SMCRA bonding system meant to ensure adequate funds for former mine land restoration.

This Science and Technology Note addresses challenges and opportunities that owners of former coal mine land (FML) in West Virginia must consider when deciding whether to pursue land development. While developing FML may be economically beneficial, there are developmental and financial risks, market uncertainties, environmental considerations, implementation challenges, and technical barriers involved.

Brownfields are defined by the EPA as “properties that contain or may contain a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant, complicating efforts to expand, redevelop or reuse them.” Once restored, former mine lands can serve as recreation areas, solar farms, business districts and more. New development on restored brownfields can benefit West Virginia’s environmental and economic health. This Science and Technology Policy Note explores existing policies that could be expanded or modified to facilitate private economic development on former mine lands (a subset of brownfields).

This Science and Technology Note identifies and compares non-emergent healthcare transportation strategies used in and around West Virginia and defines models to expand availability.

Former mine lands can be managed to minimize adverse environmental effects and restore the land to beneficial use, such as wildlife conservation, agriculture, housing, or industrial/commercial development. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977 (PDF) requires states to restore mine lands operating after 1977 to their pre-mined state at the conclusion of mining activity.

Nearly one in three West Virginians (PDF) live within one mile of an abandoned mine site. Under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA), there are two main federal programs to reclaim abandoned mine lands: the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program and Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program. The AML program funds efforts to address environmental and safety hazards posed by abandoned mine lands, while AMLER seeks to transform these lands into areas beneficial for the community and local economy. Both the AML and AMLER programs provide funding for pre-SMCRA (before 1977) abandoned mines.

West Virginians in rural areas face limited healthcare access due to significant travel times and a general shortage of medical providers and staff. Telehealth has been suggested as a beneficial alternative to in-person care. This Science and Technology Policy Note addresses the state of telehealth in West Virginia and policy options for improving healthcare access.

Transportation is a well-established community driver of health (PDF) linked to numerous rural health disparities. This Science and Technology Note discusses West Virginia’s existing non-emergency healthcare transportation systems e.g., senior centers and faith based organizations.

With significantly higher rates of numerous chronic health conditions, access to healthcare providers is a critical concern for many West Virginians. Yet, the state faces a shortage of healthcare providers, including doctors and nurses. Further, given West Virginia’s aging population (PDF), the demand for healthcare providers is likely to increase. This Science and Technology Note details the state of the healthcare provider shortage in West Virginia and offers policy options to increase the availability of healthcare providers in the state.