A resolution soon to be introduced in the state Senate would request the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee examine the economic, environmental, and health impact that would result from the development of the state’s mineral industry.
State Sens. Cris Dush (R-Cameron County), Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna County) and John T. Yudichak (I-Carbon and Luzerne counties) are seeking co-sponsors for the resolution.
The senators believe Pennsylvania could become a global economic leader in the mineral industry. The industry is vital because it supplies base materials used in consumer electronics as well in energy, medical, and defense applications.
“Given the breakthroughs in the critical mineral reclamation processes at our very own Penn State University, Pennsylvania may be able to be on the forefront of the industry,” the senators’ memo to fellow Senate members said. “The processes being researched at Penn State will have low environmental impact and assist in the reclamation of lands and water sources that have been negatively impacted by coal mining. The availability of these minerals in our own backyard may lead to a rebirth of Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry.”
The United States depends on foreign minerals. China is the market leader, but its industry is unregulated and environmentally unsafe, the senators said.