Monday, June 8, 2015

Senate Committee to Hold Public Hearing on Anthracite Coal Industry This Week

POTTSVILLE – A Senate committee will hold a public hearing in Pottsville on June 11 to receive an update on current economic conditions as well as state and federal regulations affecting the anthracite coal industry and coal-refuse fired alternative energy plants, according to Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks).

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), will hold the public hearing, starting at 11 a.m. in the Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of City Hall at 401 North Centre Street in Pottsville.

“This hearing will provide valuable insight to members of the committee to learn more about the importance of Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal and the hurdles and regulations the industry deals with every day,” Argall said.

“For over two hundred years, Pennsylvania anthracite coal has played an important part in our energy portfolio, supplying domestic and international markets and creating countless direct and indirect jobs in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania,” said Senator Yaw. “Unfortunately, crippling environmental regulations and overreach from state and federal authorities are having significant economic consequences. The fact is, we don’t have to choose between the economy and the environment - we can continue to create family sustaining jobs, while limiting environmental impacts if we work cooperatively. I look forward to joining Senator Argall for this important public hearing.”

Argall authored a resolution to call on the U.S. Congress to examine unfair regulations crippling domestically mined anthracite coal.

More information, including an agenda and testimony, will be available on Senator Gene Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com.

The public is invited to attend.