National Miners Day

Floor Speech

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the proud grandson of Oscar Thompson, a surface miner, to recognize National Miners Day, which is celebrated on December 6. On this day, we recognize the important role our Nation's miners continue to play across the Nation.

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, my home State, the mining industry--the coal industry, in particular--is a vital contributor to the State's economy, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that are responsible for family-sustaining jobs and billions in economic output. In 2011, Pennsylvania produced more than 67 million tons of coal from close to 500 mines, making it the fourth-largest producer of coal and the second-largest producer of electricity among all the States.

Today, coal is used to generate more electricity than any other resource in Pennsylvania, being responsible for 44 percent of the State's electricity generation.

On National Miners Day, we commemorate the work and sacrifice of miners, past and present, and recognize the contributions they make to our economy, the Nation's energy security, and our shared prosperity.

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