March 14, 2008
Contact:
 Anna Gustafson
717-787-2637
Back

Senate Update
by
Senator James J. Rhoades

A recent news article in the Uniontown Herald-Standard attributed a troubling quote to Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty. McGinty stated that "we need to find ways not to burn coal." I sincerely hope that this quote does not reflect the true feelings of the Secretary or her Department, as coal will undoubtedly be an integral part of our state energy portfolio and a valuable part of our economy for many years to come.

In addition to supporting more than 7,000 jobs across the state, a recent Penn State study found that Pennsylvania would realize $42 billion in economic benefits from coal by 2015. Coal also accounts for approximately 56 percent of electricity generated in Pennsylvania, and that figure is expected to rise as energy demands grow. New advances in clean-coal and waste-coal technology are expected to bring even greater benefits for the state in the future, making coal an important staple in our state and local economies.

While a great emphasis has been placed on renewable energies, it is clear that coal will continue to play an important role in our energy production well into the future. Roughly 75 million tons of coal is mined each year, and it is estimated that a total of 76 billion tons of coal remains in Pennsylvania.

Coal played a pivotal role in the development of our region, and it is clear that coal will continue to play an important role in our future. I would dismiss any suggestion that we should ignore or minimize the importance of coal for our future energy needs.

I questioned Secretary McGinty about this quote during a budget hearing last week, and she told me that her office would prepare a response to this quote to set the record straight, once and for all. I urge the Secretary to voice her unqualified support for the coal industry in Pennsylvania and the thousands of hard-working individuals that depend on this industry to sustain their families. Our local miners and others involved in the industry deserve nothing less than our strongest endorsement.
 

Senator Rhoades represents the 29th Senatorial District, which includes all of Schuylkill County and parts of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton Counties.