Pittsburgh Offers Support for Trapped Miners

Pittsburgh Offers Support for Trapped Miners

Washington, Jan 3 -

In response to the mine explosion in Tallmansville, West Virginia, which trapped 13 miners, Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) offered the following words of hope:

"I would like to offer our thoughts, hope, and prayers on behalf of the entire Pennsylvania mining community for the miners and their loved ones," Congressman Tim Murphy said. "In Pennsylvania, as in West Virginia, there is a long history of coal as part of our heritage and as a staple of our local economy. For generations, miners have descended into the mines to harvest the coal that allows us to power our homes and communities, despite the risks. We come together now as one family to pray for those trapped in West Virginia."

Pennsylvania is the fourth largest producer of coal. The 18th District is home to many active mines, including one opening in Washington County around 2010. Consol Coal, the largest underground coal producer in the U.S., and the National Energy Technology Lab are also located in the district.

"In 2002, nine Pennsylvania miners were rescued after being trapped for 78 hours in the Quecreek mine in Somerset County," Murphy concluded. "Their survival provides hope for the miners and families in West Virginia."

http://murphy.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=38255