Co-Benefits and Coal: Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Region is Proving to be 'Renewable'

Abstract:     
Energy production will likely remain dependent on coal in the future, especially in the United States and Pennsylvania where the resource is abundant. But renewable energy efforts may diminish the reliance on coal, especially with an increased focus on climate change and cries to “phase-out” fossil fuels. This paper details Pennsylvania's incentive-based alternative energy legislation and grant programs that are geared to economic considerations and catering to the coal industry, yet have sparked a local response that is creating renewable energy opportunities in the most unlikely of places: the Anthracite Coal Region. Financial incentives from Pennsylvania's legislation have been welcomed with open arms in the Anthracite Region, where the coal industry and renewable energy have developed a unique relationship. Overall, Pennsylvania’s focus on coal and the co-benefits of land remediation and job creation may renew the economically depressed and environmentally ravaged Anthracite Region. Pennsylvania’s state and local renewable energy efforts can serve as a model to improve the economy and combat climate change, but legislation in the future must also focus on reducing the impact of our continued reliance on coal.

Keywords: Coal, renewable energy, anthracite, Pennsylvania, climate change, Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, Alternative Energy Investment Act

Working Paper Series