The Allegheny Conference on Community Development (ACCD) recently conducted a report on the economic impact of the coal mining industry in Pennsylvania, noting that the sector remains a dominant force responsible for sustaining 11, 547 full-time jobs and producing approximately $3.8 billion in economic output.
“Pennsylvania-mined coal remains a steadfast contributor to our state’s economy while producing reliable electricity both businesses and consumers demand,” said state Sen. Yaw (R-23), co-chair of the Legislative Coal Caucus. “It is critical that the legislature present a unified voice for the industry moving forward and prioritize affordable, clean, and domestic energy development that promotes a diverse energy portfolio and a safe and dependable electric grid.”
In 2022, Pennsylvania produced roughly 8.2 million tons of anthracite coal and 40.2 million tons of bituminous coal statewide from 226 mines and refuse sites, according to a release from the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance (PCA). Additionally, 58 percent of the state’s bituminous coal that year was used domestically to generate electricity, of which 24 million megawatt hours were generated in state.
The report also looked closely at underground mining in Greene and Washington counties, which have a concentration of mining activity, and the Allegheny Mountain Region, which mines high quality metallurgical coal, or coking coal, vital for the steelmaking process. In 2023 alone, 2.8 million tons of metallurgical coal went to the production of steel in Pennsylvania.
“You cannot deny the importance of coal to Pennsylvania’s economy, particularly in the Allegheny Mountain region,” said state Rep. Frank Burns (D-Cambria), co-chair of the Legislative Coal Caucus. “The coal industry has invested tens of millions of dollars in innovative projects to annually treat billions of gallons of legacy acid mine drainage (AMD). I have seen successes firsthand with the increased tourism and activity in the restored Stoneycreek River.”
Of the full-time jobs sustained by the industry, 5,164 are directly related to coal mining and these jobs produce $955 million in labor income, according to the PCA release. Additionally, of the economic output produced, $2.2 billion is directly generated by coal mining industry.
The report also offered insight on the indirect yet positive impacts to the rail, waterway, and truck transportation sectors, specific to coal.
“This study underscores the critical importance of the century-long relationship between coal and Pennsylvania’s trucking industry,” said Rebecca Oyler, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Motor Trucks Association. “In 2022 alone, trucks moved approximately 19 million tons of bituminous coal, leading to substantial economic benefits across the Commonwealth.”
The ACCD conducted the study using several sources including PCA, the Mine and Safety and Health Administration, Pennsylvania Department of Energy, U.S. Bureau of Labor, and U.S. Energy Information Administration.