HARRISBURG – State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and Sen. John Yudichak (D-14) along with Rep. Carl Metzgar (R-69) and Rep. Pam Snyder (D-50) today announced that they will serve as Co-Chair’s for the Legislative Coal Caucus during the 2019-2020 Session. 

The Coal Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral legislative caucus that focuses on supporting and enhancing Pennsylvania’s coal mining industry.  The caucus serves as a forum through which legislators can become more educated about the coal industry and its significant economic value to local communities, manufacturers, and energy ratepayers. 

“Our coal industry has faced some serious headwinds due, in large part, to costly and burdensome federal and state mandates over the years,” Senator Yaw said.  “These mandates have had a tremendous impact on our miners, their families and our communities that depend on a strong coal economy.  It is critical that we present a unified voice for the industry, our miners and these communities moving forward, and I am happy to join with my colleagues to advocate on their behalf.”

Pennsylvania is the third largest coal producing state in the Unites States with production totaling over 48 million tons in 2018.   Pennsylvania coal in addition to being used for power generation, is used to produce steel and cement.

“Pennsylvania has a long history in coal production and remains the third largest coal producing state in the nation,” said Senator John Yudichak. “As the son and grandson of anthracite coal miners, I am pleased to join Senator Yaw and Representatives Metzger and Snyder to continue the discussion on the role coal plays in Pennsylvania.”

Bituminous coal mining helps drive Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting nearly 18,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, while contributing $4 billion annually to the state’s economy. The coal industry provides family-sustaining wages and creates this economic value in communities across Pennsylvania, with multiple company locations in more than half of our counties.  The industry accounts for 25 percent of the employment in some regions, up to 40 percent of the local tax base, and often serves as a community’s financial cornerstone for economic development. 

“Coal remains a crucial resource that is directly tied to the economic vitality of our local communities,” said Representative Carl Metzgar. “For every direct coal mining job in Pennsylvania nearly two additional jobs are created, and that economic impact can be recognized in everything from local restaurants to auto and truck service providers, to the budgets of local school districts.  I look forward to working with the Co-Chairs and the caucus to promote innovative policy that further strengths the economic benefits of the coal industry.”

“Coal’s availability as a baseload generation source is unparalleled given its affordability, flexibility, reliability and resiliency,” said Representative Pam Snyder.  “Nearly 60% of the bituminous coal produced in Pennsylvania is used to generate electricity, and the majority is produced in Greene County.  I look forward to working to with the co-Chairs to encourage policies that promote a coal’s role as a baseload power source in a diversified energy generation portfolio.”

CONTACT:
Nick Troutman
(717) 787-3280

HARRISBURG – State Senators Gene Yaw (R-23) and John Wozniak (D-35) today were nominated by their colleagues to co-chair the Senate ‘Coal Caucus,’ a bipartisan, legislative committee emphasizing the continued importance of coal and coal-driven technologies in the state.

The caucus will serve as a forum through which legislators and industry representatives can collaborate on the needs of the coal industry, focus on the utilization and consumption of coal to significantly reduce consumer demands on foreign fuels and highlight new coal technologies within the industry.

“Last year, coal provided Pennsylvania with roughly 40 percent of its electricity needs,” Yaw said.  “Pennsylvania is a major player in coal production, creating a number of direct and indirect jobs, and will remain an important part of our energy portfolio for years to come.  Together, we can change the dynamic of coal as an energy resource.”

“The coal industry is a major economic player in Pennsylvania and will continue to play a large role in helping the citizens of Pennsylvania manage their energy needs,” Wozniak said.  “Working alongside Senator Yaw in leading the Senate Coal Caucus I believe we can have a significant impact on policy and help the industry and its workers meet future challenges.”

“On behalf of the over 300 companies represented by the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance and 36,000 employees supported by the coal industry, I want to thank Senators Yaw and Wozniak and the members of the coal caucus for their continued leadership in supporting all forms of Pennsylvania energy,” said John Pippy, CEO of the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance.  “The co-chairs have repeatedly demonstrated their understanding of the connection between Pennsylvania energy and Pennsylvania jobs.  The fact is, we don’t have to choose between the economy and the environment, we can keep our jobs and have a clean environment if everyone works together.”

In addition to Senators Yaw and Wozniak, other members in attendance during today’s meeting included:  Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati (R-25), Senator(s) Ryan Aument (R-36), Camera Bartolotta (R-46), John Eichelberger (R-30), John Gordner (R-27), Scott Hutchinson (R-21), Tom McGarrigle (R-26), Pat Stefano (R-32), Randy Vulakovich (R-38), Scott Wagner (R-28), and Kim Ward (R-39).

Senator Yaw currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, as well as Chairman of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors.  Senator Wozniak serves as Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, as well as Vice-Chairman of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors.

More information is available on Senator Yaw’s website, www.SenatorGeneYaw.com, and on Senator Wozniak’s website, www.senator-wozniak.com.

CONTACT:

Adam Pankake – Sen. Yaw (717) 787-3280

Josh Myers – Sen. Wozniak (717) 787-5400