U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA) announced he has been named the co-chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus for the 118th Congress.
“Coal is one of the most useful sedimentary deposits on Earth. Not only does it account for nearly 20 percent of the electricity generation in the United States, but it is also used in the production of 70 percent of the world’s steel,” Meuser said. “And now, as technology develops, the potential uses for coal are becoming even more apparent. Through the Congressional Coal Caucus, my fellow co-chairs and I are looking forward to highlighting the traditional benefits of coal, its importance to rural communities, and the new and exciting potential uses for coal. Together, we will promote policies and dialogue that support the coal industry and the employees who are proud to work within it.”
Also joining the leadership of the caucus are U.S. Reps. Bill Johnson (R-OH), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), and Harriet Hageman (R-WY). Meuser, a Luzerne County Republican representing Pennsylvania’s 9th District, which includes Schuylkill County and parts of Berks County, said the caucus will play a role in policy debates and legislative action relating to the coal industry.
“Coal is one of America’s most abundant natural resources and the source of good paying jobs in Appalachia and across the country. Without continued domestic coal production, energy prices will continue to rise for families already struggling with inflation. In addition, preserving affordable and reliable coal-generated power is a priority for the Coal Caucus because, without it, our nation’s grid reliability will continue to decline,” Johnson said. “As a co-chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus, I look forward to promoting policies that will enhance American energy production and safeguard one of our nation’s most reliable energy resources.”