Energy Must Be Reliable and Affordable for Pennsylvania, Says Local Energy Leader

Public and Stakeholder Input in EPA "Listening Session" is Critical to Pennsylvania's Energy Future, Says NMA 

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting Pennsylvanians to participate in one of 11 "listening sessions" that the agency is conducting around the country to solicit ideas about the best ways to reduce carbon emissions from existing coal-fired power plants on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013.

These sessions will provide members of the public and other stakeholders in Pennsylvania with the opportunity to help shape the policies that will determine the state's energy future. Because coal provides 39.3 percent of Pennsylvania's electricity, the input produced by these meetings could have a profound impact on the cost of electricity for homes and businesses across the state and throughout the nation.

"Coal plays a critical role in providing the manufacturing base and families in Pennsylvania with an affordable and reliable supply of energy," John Pippy, CEO of the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance, said. "New coal power plants using 'best in class' technologies provide the best opportunity to reduce emissions. It is irresponsible to make any policy changes that impacts jobs and a reliable supply of affordable electricity for Pennsylvania."

Regional coal-mining activities in 2011 supported 51,140 jobs in Pennsylvania and contributed $7,958 million in direct and indirect economic contributions to the state. The affordable, reliable energy generated from coal also helped support 561,300 manufacturing jobs in the state.

"To best serve the families, businesses and the manufacturing base in Pennsylvania, we need responsible policies for existing power plants that support a diverse energy mix, National Mining Association (NMA) President and CEO Hal Quinn said.  "A well-thought out approach is critically important," he added, "because each state's energy mix and energy needs are different. In Pennsylvania, and elsewhere throughout the nation, it would be foolish to diminish the role of a plentiful resource like coal in our energy mix just as new technologies allow us to use it to generate electricity in way that addresses America's economic and environmental interests in a balanced fashion."

The listening sessions will be held on Friday, Nov. 8, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST, William J. Green, Jr. Federal Building, 600 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa.

A fact sheet about coal mining in Pennsylvania and the contributions to the state is available here.

The National Mining Association (NMA) is the voice of the American mining industry in Washington, D.C. Membership includes more than 325 corporations involved in all aspects of coal and solid minerals production including coal, metal and industrial mineral producers, mineral processors, equipment manufacturers, state mining associations, bulk transporters, engineering firms, consultants, financial institutions and other companies that supply goods and services to the mining industry.

Contact:
Nancy Gravatt
(202) 463-2642
[email protected]

Luke Popovich
(202) 463-2620
[email protected]

SOURCE National Mining Association

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