Energy Transitions Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation in Illinois Oct 21 2021

Illinois Extension, Just Transition Fund, and Prairie Rivers Network discuss the history and importance of Illinois’ Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program and potential new federal funding that could bring could bring $1.2 billion to Illinois over 15 years. Presenters share tools, resources, and ideas for current funding and retraining programs that communities can use to safely repurpose closed mining areas.

Presenters:

Rita Lee is the Manager of the IL DNR Abandoned Mined Land Reclamation Division. The division reclaims mined land to protect people and the environment. Rita has worked with the State Of Illinois starting as Water Resources Engineer progressing to Water Resources Planning Section Chief. Rita has an Illinois Professional Engineering license and she is a Certified Floodplain Manager.

Eric focuses on economic and environmental policy in Appalachia and beyond. Prior to joining ORVI, Eric was an organizer and policy advocate at Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, where he worked on issues such as black lung and damage from abandoned coal mines.

Dana Kuhnline, RECLAIM Coordinator, Appalachian Voices

Karen coordinates work on bipartisan climate policy, low-impact renewable energy siting, and nature-based climate mitigation and adaptation. Prior to joining TNC, Karen worked at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on global climate policy and tropical forest conservation. Karen has a Master of Environmental Management from the Yale School of the Environment and served as a Peace Corps volunteer for three years in Latin America.


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