We%u2019ve all seen the commercials.
%u201CCan%u2019t get a job without a car. Can%u2019t get a car without a better job. Can%u2019t get a better job without a better education. Can%u2019t afford a better education...%u201D
The same type of catch-22 that plagues many Americans these days is the catch-22 that is plaguing our Anthracite Coal miners in Central Pennsylvania.
These small, family-run businesses are being shut down due to excessive force from the MSHA.
Many fines and violations are forcing these mines to close, but how they can afford the new equipment when most of their income goes to fines and expenses?
In this day and age when people wonder where our energy sources are going and the rising cost of fuel, there are much cleaner and better ways of burning coal.
Anthracite coal is clearly a viable use for our Country%u2019s energy sources.
However, the catch-22 for the small coal mining business continues, and if the Federal or State Governments can%u2019t help instead of hinder these hard-working people, we as a Country will see a brighter future for energy go down the drain. I feel the public should be more aware of this issue, and instead of shutting our miners down, the Government should give them a boost in helping them access what they need to comply with regulations.
The issue of energy consumption will soon be larger than all of us. Let us do what we can now to help the coal mining industry thrive in the future.
Thank you
Shana M Miller New Oxford, PA
