An OP-ED by Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. – For a Reliable Energy Future, PA Needs a Coal Fleet

I support Coal. Period. While the United Sates electricity grid has historically relied upon a diverse mix of electricity sources such as natural gas, nuclear and renewables – coal is a constant.

Coal-fired power plants are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  And these plants have the resources on hand, often times with stockpiles of 85 days’ worth of fuel.

It’s time we embrace coal and its benefits and not allow this robust industry to be destroyed through senseless regulations.

Accordingly, the U.S. Department of Energy recently released a report on the reliability of our electric grid and the deleterious effects federal and state policies are having on it.  The report spotlights the challenges that lie ahead and provides suggestions to keep our grid reliable.

We must protect the coal industry and stop the decimation of our coal-fired electric generating fleet.  Today, one third of the nation’s coal fleet has either retired or announced plans to shut down due in large part to federal regulatory policies aimed at reducing coal’s use.  In PA, 33 coal-fired electric generating units have already shut down or announced plans to close.

Without the stability of coal our grid is at risk. It’s time to stop the war on coal and make policy decisions that reignite its purpose.

Senator Wayne Langerholc Jr. represents the 35th Senatorial District in Pennsylvania, which includes all of Cambria and Bedford Counties, and part of Clearfield County. 

CONTACT:
Carol Milligan, Director, Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725    
cmilligan@pasen.gov

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