Senate Finance Committee advances legislation to combat blight, support mine reclamation

The state Senate Finance Committee advanced last week a tax bill to fight state blight as well as a bill to support the state’s threatened coal refuse jobs.

The first bill extends the Coal Refuse Energy and Reclamation Tax for 10 additional years while increasing the maximum amount of tax credits. The goal is to retain jobs and reduces the number of gray and black landscapes in the state.

“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,” Sen. John Yudichak (D- Carbon/Luzerne/Monroe counties), the bill’s cosponsor, said.

Over the past 30 years, coal-refuse facilities have removed piles of waste coal across the state. Several former strip mining operation pits have been filled with the piles.

Thirteen coal-refuse plants operate in Pennsylvania, four on a seasonal basis. Two plants have ceased operation.

The second bill extends a tax credit for the rehabilitation of old structures and remediation of dilapidated buildings. The tax credit is designed to reduce blight and urban decay in communities of all sizes.

The credit has been successful in many parts of the state.

Both bills were sponsored by Sen. David G. Argall (R-Berks/Schuylkill counties).