HARRISBURG – The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee unanimously approved a resolution today calling on Congress and the President to investigate unfair foreign government subsidies for their exports to the United States of anthracite coal, according to the proposal’s sponsor, Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks).
The anthracite coal industry in Russia, Ukraine and China is heavily subsidized by their respective governments, while United States anthracite coal is heavily regulated by the federal government. Senate Resolution 54 calls on Congress and the President to consider placing tariffs on imported anthracite coal in order to assist domestic producers.
Earlier this year, the Senate committee traveled to Pottsville to learn more about unfair international competition and federal regulations that are crippling domestic anthracite production.
“Brian Rich of Reading Anthracite summed up the issue best when he said that the United States has a war on coal, while the rest of the world has a war for coal,” Argall said. “We need to make the federal government aware how other nations are providing subsidies to undercut American-mined anthracite coal and undercutting American jobs. Otherwise, we will remain at a significant competitive disadvantage.”
Lehigh Anthracite Coal in Tamaqua first suggested that the resolution be drafted.
Senate Resolution 54 will move to the full Senate for its consideration.