A study by the Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh found that longwall mining is a driving economic force for Greene and Washington Counties, providing substantial jobs and tax revenue to support the region.

"In 2014 we released a report that showed the multibillion dollar economic impact that coal has statewide. This new report draws the data down to the community level and shows the connections between the high quality of life in the region and the family-sustaining jobs provided by the industry," said PA Coal Alliance CEO, John Pippy.

"As evidenced by this report, longwall mining helps to power the economy of my Senatorial District," said Sen. Bartolotta (R-Greene). "It accounts for over 13 percent of the GDP of Greene and Washington Counties, is the source of over 7,300 jobs in my area and its product – coal -- provides all Pennsylvanians with an assurance that the Commonwealth will continue to have an affordable and reliable source of electricity."

Longwall mining is a very specific type of underground mining used to extract coal and it takes place only in Greene and Washington Counties. It produces 33,733,448 of the 57,967,127 tons – or 58 percent -- of the bituminous coal mined in the state every year and ranks Greene county third nationally in coal production.

Approximately 7,350 full and part-time jobs in Greene and Washington counties are provided by the longwall mining industry, making it the third largest employer. For each of those direct jobs, an additional 1.1 jobs are added indirectly in the counties.

"Longwall mining has long-been the economic backbone of Greene and Washington counties," stated Rep. Pam Snyder (R-Washington). "This report demonstrates just how much this mining process provides in employment and taxes that drive the communities in my district. It is why I have worked so hard to retain these jobs and support this industry; and respectively, my constituents."

The industry contributes $1.94 billion to the county's economies; $535 million in labor income, $1.3 billion in property income, and more than $81 million in indirect business taxes.

"The West Greene School District is 256 square miles. The coal industry is critical to our existence, funding programs and curriculum with the majority of our graduating students retaining jobs directly in coal mining or with a company that would not exist without the industry," said WGSD Superintendent, Thelma Szarell. "The construction of the new West Greene Elementary School would not be possible without adequate tax dollars and our local taxpayers would be burdened with higher taxes without the contribution from the mining industry to offset the rate."

"Any public discussion about coal mining is incomplete without taking a moment to acknowledge the 'people impact' of our industry.  Beyond the well-paying jobs provided, coal mining is the economic backbone of entire regions of our country.  When the industry struggles, so do our communities – from the local car dealerships and grocers, to the tax revenues that help build schools and hospitals. This report gives readers a glimpse of how longwall mining contributes to the economic well-being of Pennsylvania and helps sustain those areas where coal miners live and work," said Brian Turk, Director of Government and External Affairs at Alpha Natural Resources.

The study was prepared by the Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh for the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance and is available online.

Hearing On Environmental Impacts Of Deep Mining

The Citizens Advisory Council to the Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public hearing March 27 in California, PA to accept testimony on the 2008-2013 Underground Coal Mining Impact Report required by the state’s Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act (Act 54).

The Act 54 report found 40 percent of the streams undermined by deep coal mining (39 of 96 miles) suffered flow loss or pooling that had an adverse impacts on aquatic life, pH and conductivity in the streams.

Eight of the 55 stream segments identified as being affected in the 2003-2008 report have yet to recover from the impacts of mining.

There were 855 reported impacts to water supplies from longwall mining: 393 were found to be from longwall mining, 384 from room-and-pillar deep mining, 54 from inactive deep mines and 24 from pillar recovery mining.

In one-third of the cases, the mining company was not found liable for the water loss or contamination.

Despite an 18 percent drop in the number of acres undermined, the number of water supply reported effects has increased by approximately 25 percent (855 from 683).

It took an average of 220 days to resolve water loss/water contamination issues either through permanent replacement water supplies, repair of the water well or agreements for compensation with landowners.

A total of 201 water loss/water contamination cases were not resolved by the end of the 2008-2013 reporting period.

There were 389 cases of reported damage to surface structures of which 238 were determined to be caused by mining: 315 from longwall mining, 48 from room-and-pillar, 19 from inactive deep mines and 7 from pillar recovery mining.

The hearing will take place on March 27, 2015, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at DEP’s California District Mining Office, Monongahela Conference Room, 25 Technology Drive, California Technology Park, Coal Center, PA 15423.  Click Here for more information on how to register.

3/16/2015