Cook goes underground for hearing on mining industry

The event took place Wednesday at the Harvey Mine in Sycamore.

State Rep. Bud Cook and the House Republican Policy Committee held a hearing underground Wednesday in Harvey Mine to assess the economic benefits of coal mining.

The mine, a part of the Pennsylvania Mining Complex in Greene and Washington counties, is located in Sycamore.

The coal mining industry supports more than 11,000 full-time jobs in Pennsylvania, according to an Allegheny Conference on Community development report. The report also stated the industry provides 4,050 fulland part-time jobs in Washington and Greene counties.

“Pennsylvania coal is abundant and affordable, and the industry continuously goes to great lengths to minimize its impact on the environment,” Cook said. “If we want reliable electricity, national security, family-sustaining jobs and vibrant communities, we must support—and protect — Pennsylvania’s coal mining industry.”

Matt Mackowiak, manager of government affairs for Consol Energy, said the global demand for coal is expected to rise.

The hearing included testaments from the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance, Consol Energy, Rosebud Mining Company and R.G. Johnson Company, Inc.

“The Pennsylvania coal industry’s commitment to producing clean energy and protecting natural resources is commendable. Meanwhile, Democrats’ commit- ment to transition away from fossil fuels, such as coal, is more detrimental to the environment than people realize, not to mention dismissive of Pennsylvania’s impressive industrial heritage and all the hard-working men and women in those industries,” said state Rep. Josh Kail, R-Beaver. “The world is a better place with Pennsylvania energy, which is why we need a legislative and regulatory environment that advances the use of the commonwealth’s natural resources.”