New Mexico to receive $2.423 million in federal FY22 to safeguard and reclaim abandoned coal mines

Santa Fe, NM – The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department announces that the U.S. Department of the Interior will allocate $725 million in FY22 to safeguard and reclaim abandoned coal mines throughout the United States. $2.423 million is New Mexico’s FY22 portion. In total, $11.3 billion will be provided to 22 states and the Navajo Nation over 15 years. New Mexico expects to receive a similar amount annually for the next 14 years. “Abandoned” is the term used when a coal mine ceases operation due to bankruptcy, an operator goes out of business, or coal was depleted. New Mexico has been safeguarding and cleaning up these mines with grants from the federal government since 1977.