Even Democrats Oppose Obama’s EPA Regulations Against Coal In PA

Even Democrats Oppose Obama’s EPA Regulations Against Coal In Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania Democrats Are Asking The EPA To Keep Open 14 Waste-Coal To Energy Plants In The State That Are Currently Slated For Shutdown As A Result Of EPA Regulations. “Pennsylvania congressmen from both parties are asking for the Environmental Protection Agency’s help to keep open 14 waste coal to energy plants in the state. The 14 plants are slated to be shut because of the EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. Three of the plants are in Cambria County and one each in Indiana and Clarion. The letter asks the EPA to consider that the plants reduce the amount of waste coal in Pennsylvania and allow them to continue without meeting the current limitation in hyrdochloric acid emissions.” (Paul Gough, “Senators Ask EPA To Reduce Waste-Coal Limits,” Pittsburgh Business Times , 10/16/12)

• According To A Letter Authored By The Congressmen, The “ Economic Stimulus From The Plants To Economically Distressed Areas Of Pennsylvania Is Considerable .” “‘Besides the environmental benefits, these plants directly employ over 1,000 people, with additional thousands employed indirectly. We believe the economic stimulus from the plants to economically distressed areas of Pennsylvania is considerable. Removal of waste coal piles across Pennsylvania also benefits communities that have long lived with the legacy of problems associated with abandoned ‘gob’ and ‘culm’ piles that were created before environmental regulations existed,’ the letter said.” (Paul Gough, “Senators Ask EPA To Reduce Waste-Coal Limits,” Pittsburgh Business Times , 10/16/12)

Pennsylvania Democrats Signing The Letter Include Sen. Bob Casey, Rep. Mark Critz, Rep. Jason Altmire, And Rep. Tim Holden. “The letter was signed by Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., along with Rep. Mark Critz, D-Pa.; Rep. Jason Altmire, D-Pa., Rep. Tim Holden, D-Pa.; Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa.; Rep. Lou Barletta, R-Pa.; Rep. Tom Marino, R-Pa.; Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa.; and Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa.” (Paul Gough, “Senators Ask EPA To Reduce Waste-Coal Limits,” Pittsburgh Business Times , 10/16/12)