HAZLETON – The December edition of the local TV program hosted by Senator Dave Argall (R-29) features a recent public hearing of the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee which discussed Pennsylvania’s coal refuse electricity power plants.
“These plants, both locally and across the state, have successfully reclaimed over 7,000 acres of abandoned mine land and restored more than 1,200 miles of polluted streams – all while employing thousands of people, either directly or indirectly,” said Senator Argall.
The hearing was held at Hazleton City Hall by Senator John Yudichak (I-14), the chair of the committee. Senators received testimony from the PA Department of Environmental Protection, the Earth Conservancy, the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, Reading Anthracite, Blaschak Coal Co., the PA Anthracite Council, and the Appalachian Region Independent Power Producers Association.
Senator Argall and Senator Yudichak championed bipartisan legislation to support these power plants. During the hearing, testifiers explained that had their efforts not been successful, most of these electric power plants powered by old mountains of coal refuse would now be closed – costing the state thousands of jobs and putting an end to decades of mine land reclamation efforts.
“These plants are an economic engine for Pennsylvania,” Senator Argall continued. “In addition to the massive amount of environmental remediation, these plants also generate annual benefits to the state of $615 million, direct expenditures of $363 million, and $18 million in state taxes and fees. That’s a lot of money being pumped into our local communities including Nesquehoning, Shenandoah, Mt. Carmel, Mahanoy City, and Hazleton.”
This edition will air on:
- Blue Ridge Communications (Channel 13) every Monday at 10 a.m. and every Wednesday at 10:30 p.m.
- Berks Community Television (Comcast – Channel 15 and Service Electric – Channel 19) on Thursday at 10 p.m. and Friday at 8 p.m.
- Service Electric Cablevision: Hazleton, Mahanoy City; Shenandoah – on Hazleton’s WYLN TV 35 Channel 507 and MetroCast Communications Channel 10. Please check local listings for air times.
It is also available online at https://www.senatorargall.com/argallreport/
Contact: Jim Brugger
717.787.2637