Michael Sauers
September 1, 2026
If you are looking for a good example of state level corporate welfare, with all the markings of a cluster dance, here it is! The PA Coal Waste Industry gets hundreds of millions in public subsidies primarily through the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Regulation established in 2004. It requires utilities to purchase a certain percentage of their power from various specific sources. Also, state tax breaks since 2016 add more tens of millions per year in corporate welfare.
Burning waste coal (anthracite or bituminous) is an environmental nightmare. It produces 7% to 118% more climate changing greenhouse gas emissions than traditional coal which, in and of itself, is a negative for the environment. There is no such thing as clean coal. Pennsylvania ranks 42nd in the nation for renewable energy production. That is thanks to heavy corporate lobbying efforts in Harrisburg and very compliant elected representatives. Vote them out.
Burning waste coal produces concentrated toxic metal ash containing pollutants such as mercury and manganese which then must be disposed in hazardous waste landfills or incinerated causing more environmental damage.
This cluster dance includes elected representatives (vote them out), industry lobbyists, regulators and unions. It is disgraceful. Research it. Make it an issue.
Your children and grandchildren will thank you.