On May 8, the Senate Finance Committee reported out Senate Bill 618 (Argall-R-Schuylkill, Yudichak-D-Luzerne) to increase the Coal Refuse Energy and Reclamation Tax from $10 to $45 million a year.

“This legislation is important because it protects jobs and continues the environmental progress which we have seen in the past few decades which is only possible through a public-private partnership,” Sen. David Argall said. “Our children have grown up surrounded by many more green fields and mountains than I did. Our goal is that someday, our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will experience even more green, and many fewer gray and black landscapes as a direct result of this legislation.”

There are currently 13 plants operating in Pennsylvania. Four of these plants are only operating on a seasonal basis, and two plants have already closed.

“The Coal Refuse Energy and Reclamation Tax Credit needs to be expanded if Pennsylvania’s coal refuse industry is going to continue to produce good energy jobs while providing essential environmental reclamation services to the communities impacted by the legacy of coal mining,” said Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne). “We cannot reclaim the more than 10,000 acres of mine scarred acres in Pennsylvania if we do not have a private partner in the coal refuse industry, and the coal refuse industry is not going to exist if we do not help them compete in the energy market.”

Both bills will now move to the full Senate for consideration.

Related Stories This Week:

New Laurel Highlands Study Documents $3.7 Billion In Annual Economic, Environmental Benefits From Ecosystem Services; Public Meetings May 14, 15, 16

Perseverance Pays Off In The Potts Run Watershed, Clearfield County

Opportunity To Rehabilitate DEP’s Antrim Mine Drainage Treatment Plant In Tioga County

Related Story:

Legislative Proposal Would Increase Coal Refuse Energy & Reclamation Tax Credit To $45 Million A Year

[Posted: May 8, 2019]

5/13/2019