Challenges facing anthracite coal industry featured in Argall’s latest television program


HARRISBURG – The significant challenges facing Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal industry are highlighted in the most recent edition of The Argall Report, according to Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks).

The show includes testimony from a recent Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee hearing in Pottsville sponsored by Senator Argall, featuring local anthracite companies who are confronted with heavy subsidies provided to the industry in other countries. Argall recently introduced a resolution calling on Congress and the President to investigate unfair foreign government subsidies for anthracite coal exports to the United States.

Blaschak Coal Corporation President and CEO Greg Driscoll suggested that leveling the playing field in terms of foreign subsidies could result in the creation of up to 12,000 new jobs in Pennsylvania.

Reading Anthracite Company President Brian Rich testified during the hearing that foreign competition in the anthracite industry presents a serious challenge to Pennsylvania businesses. He also noted the impact of Russia’s recent military action in Ukraine as a factor that adds to existing regulatory challenges.

“In the United States, we have a war on coal by this Administration, but in other parts of the world, there is a war for coal,” Rich said. “We need to press this Administration for sanctions against coal that has been procured by the Russians in Ukrainian territories and is being exported to the United States.”

The program will air on:

  • Blue Ridge Communications (Channel 13) every Monday at 10 a.m. and every Wednesday at 10:30 p.m.
  • Comcast On-Demand on Channel 1 – Get Local – Government – State Senate.
  • Reading (Channel 21) and Hamburg (Channel 19) every Monday at 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and every Tuesday at 9 a.m.
  • Service Electric (Channel 19) the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7 p.m.
  • The program is available on Berks Community Television, Shen-Heights TV, Hazleton’s WLYN TV 35 and MetroCast Communications Channel 10. Please check local listings for air times.
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