West Virginia must track coal mine cleanup costs for the first time

West Virginia must now create a database to track how much it will cost to clean up old coal mines. This database will help the state manage its special program for reclaiming abandoned mine sites.

For decades, states often did not have a clear, centralized picture of how much money was needed to clean up old coal mines. This meant that when companies went bankrupt, taxpayers often footed the bill. This new database makes those liabilities visible, which could change how the state plans for future cleanups and how it holds companies accountable.