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1996 SESSION
960831727WHEREAS, the Federal Surface Mining Act of 1977 has been adopted by the Commonwealth of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the current reclamation laws require complete elimination of all highwalls; and
WHEREAS, this requirement discourages the use and economical re-mining of abandoned strip mine sites in Southwest Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the re-mining of such abandoned sites would increase employment and provide usable reclaimed property for housing and industrial development; and
WHEREAS, the General Assembly of Virginia appreciates and supports reasonable safeguards to protect watersheds, streams, water supplies and citizens; and
WHEREAS, the General Assembly believes that government funds now being used to reclaim abandoned sites should be substantially used to supply potable water to coalfield residents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Virginia General Assembly support the appropriate amendments to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations which would encourage and allow the re-mining of previously strip-mined sites under the appropriate safeguards to ensure protection of the public safety and welfare; and, be it
RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation so that they may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia.