DENVER, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Western governors Tuesday called for congressional action on legislation that would provide future funding for the cleanup of abandoned mine lands.
Three members of the Western Governors' Association wrote to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which will take up the Abandoned Mine Land program Wednesday.
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal and Montana Gov. Judy Martz said the program is crucial to the West because it helps reclaim rural land.
"The history of existing abandoned mine restoration programs demonstrates unequivocally that the expenditure of funds for the cleanup of abandoned mines improves public safety and restores the environment," the governors wrote.
The association representing 18 western states unanimously approved a policy resolution at its June meeting supporting reform and restoration of the program.
The cumulative unappropriated balance in program's trust fund now exceeds $1.5 billion, the governors said. Fee collection authority expires in less than a month, so they said action is need quickly in Washington.
