Southern Illinois Coal Industry

Floor Speech

Mr. ENYART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the southern Illinois coal industry, which had a record year last year--the best in decades.

Southern Illinois is blessed with abundant natural resources like coal that provide good jobs and support our middle class. I'm proud to say that Illinois is a leader in coal production and outpaced every other State in 2012. Bucking national trends, Illinois mines produced more than 40 million tons of coal in 2012, the most since 1995. This is in large part due to southern Illinois mines and a talented and dedicated workforce.

Folks in my district are worried about jobs. They want to have faith in the southern Illinois way of life. Our coal industry in southern Illinois presents enormous economic potential; and judging by the record-setting production last year, we are well on our way to power good jobs and address domestic energy needs.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to focus on good jobs and support southern Illinois workers and coal.

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