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BURGETTSTOWN, April 1, 2006 /PRNewswire
Governor Edward G. Rendell's energy initiatives are making Pennsylvania a leader in advancing clean coal technologies that put to use the state's indigenous resources to spur investments, create jobs and improve the environment. "Mining has been a cornerstone of Pennsylvania's economy for 250 years, and I believe our best days are still to come," Governor Rendell said. "America's energy past is grounded right here in Pennsylvania, where our coal and our miners helped to fuel an industrial revolution. The country's energy future is right here, too," Governor Rendell said. "We have the resources, the manpower and the ingenuity to both strengthen our economy and change the way our country produces fuel and thinks about energy." The Governor has launched some major initiatives to build a clean energy future in Pennsylvania, putting in place the policies and financial incentives needed to develop the state's homegrown resources, especially coal. Pennsylvania is home to one of the nation's most progressive alternative energy portfolio standards, ensuring that 18 percent of all energy generated by 2020 comes from clean, efficient and advanced resources -- not just traditional renewables but also coal mine methane, waste coal and coal gasification. The nation's first coal gasification-liquefaction plant is proposed for construction in Schuylkill County, where the plant will use waste coal to produce 40 millions of clean-burning diesel fuel each year. Construction of Waste Management and Processors Inc.'s waste-coal-to-diesel plant will create as many as 1,000 jobs; operating the plant will produce another 600 permanent, high-paying positions. The plant will clean up tens of millions of tons of waste coal while giving the state clean diesel at a fraction of the price paid today. Pennsylvania has the largest abandoned mine lands problem in the country, with 8,529 acres of unreclaimed refuse piles and 2.1 billion tons of waste coal that impair rivers and streams with polluted runoff. There are few uses for waste coal except electricity generation, and there simply are not enough available resources to address this multi-billion dollar problem. Governor Rendell is magnifying state investments to turn this $15 billion abandoned mine challenge into an economic opportunity. State-of-the-art waste coal power plants are helping to power the economy by putting to use an energy source that otherwise would be a threat to the environment and a hazard to public health. With encouragement and support from the state, coal mine methane is being captured and used for fuel rather than simply being vented into the air and wasted. Not only are projects like this a boon to the environment, but with record-high natural gas prices, this new fuel source benefits the economy as well. "Our commonwealth has a rich mining history," Governor Rendell said. "And while our mines are among the safest in the world with consistently high production, we want to make sure they remain safe." Since taking office, Governor Rendell has ushered in a series of changes to enhance mine safety in Pennsylvania. Changes include revising mine permitting and inspection procedures so the Department of Environmental Protection's mine safety experts have a direct role, putting in place stringent requirements for verification of underground mine maps and revising training protocols for mine safety personnel. Despite these improvements, legislative changes are still needed. The commonwealth's deep mine safety law was written in 1889 and last updated in 1961. Governor Rendell first unveiled his legislative package in July 2004, proposing some of the most significant changes in decades. Among the proposals: After the West Virginia accidents, the Governor expanded his proposal by adding new provisions that aim to protect miners in the event of an accident and assist the rescuers trying to reach them. Mines would need an approved escape plan that prompts faster emergency response, requires stockpiled oxygen and seeks better communications to better track underground miners. The plan incorporates the installation of "lifelines" that miners can grab and use as a guide to safety if they are ever trapped in an area that fills with smoke or debris, as well as the location of safe places in the mines for workers to seek refuge in case escape routes are blocked. In February, Governor Rendell ordered DEP's Bureau of Mine Safety to re- inspect the state's active underground mines. The enhanced inspections took place on top of all normal activities. The Governor's proposed 2006-07 General Fund budget includes $508,000 for underground mine safety and enhanced inspection initiatives. FORCE was created in 2002 by families, businesses and communities to support and retain coal-related jobs in Pennsylvania; network all coal-related businesses; give supporters of coal a voice; and make members aware of coal's impact on the state's economy. FORCE has 86 member companies representing more than 11,000 people. The coal economy is made up of utility plants, fuel suppliers, equipment suppliers, legal professionals, accountants, machinists, transportation companies, chemical suppliers, engineering companies, construction facilities and coal companies. Pennsylvania has more than 27 billion tons of proven coal reserves that will last for another 300 years at current mining production rates. The commonwealth is the fourth largest coal-producing state, generating more than 70 million tons of coal annually and employing thousands of people in mining and related industries. For more information on mining, visit DEP's Web site at http://www.depweb.state.pa.us, Keyword: "Active Mining Operations." The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us . News Provided By |
