“As these mines age, and the tops and pillars start to give … other communities are going to have these same problems… You’re sitting on a bomb, waiting for the fuse (to go off).” -Mayor Gloria Sidar, on subsidence impacts via State Journal-Register — It’s been more than 60 years since the last coal mine closed … More Benld City Council Votes Unanimously to Support Severance Tax

West Virginia now collects a severance tax at 5% of gross value of coal. This revenue supports the state’s General Fund, and a series of local funds. Last year, it generated $64 million last year to help pay off a workers’ compensation debt and even more to help cash-strapped counties. Were Illinois to follow West Virginia’s … More Voices from West Virginia: Severance Taxes Fix Crumbling Roads and Schools

Kentucky now collects a coal severance tax, approximately 5 percent levied on every ton of coal. In the past, 50 percent of the revenue has been allocated for use in coal affected counties. Now, lawmakers are trying to bring all the revenue back to these areas to help create jobs.   “Returning the coal severance … More Voices from Kentucky: Severance Tax Creates Jobs

The Bottom Line: For the Coal Mining Industry, Severance Taxes Do Not Impact Production or Jobs. They Do Bring in Revenue. A Lot of It.   The Claim: “Creating a special tax for the coal industry will make Illinois coal less competitive and ultimately lead to lost jobs and lost opportunities. In addition, creating a … More Myth Busting #1: Severance Taxes & Jobs

For Immediate Release October 26, 2016 PRESS RELEASE New Study Calls for Coal Severance Tax: Investing Resource Wealth in Local Communities A report released today by the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability and Downstream Strategies estimates that a severance tax could generate new revenue for Illinois communities – potentially generating $141.5 million in annual … More Press Release: Report Release [October 2016]