Reis Visits Mine in Support of Illinois Coal Industry

June 16, 2005

Olney…. In support of a Senate Bill that could help Illinois’ struggling coal industry, State Representative David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) recently went underground – about 800 feet underground at the Wabash Mine Holding Company coal mine near Keensburg.

“The trip down into the mine was very enlightening and allowed me the opportunity to discuss SB90” said Reis. The measure, which Reis is an alternate chief co-sponsor, allows gas utilities to supply natural gas produced with coal. During the just ended legislative session the measure was approved by both the Senate and the House and is awaiting the governor’s approval.

“It is imperative that the Governor understand the importance of his signature on this bill,” Reis said. “Southern Illinois coal has been nearly abandoned because of its high sulfur content and emissions. A couple of year’s back it was estimated that 20,000 jobs, including spin-off jobs, had been lost in the southern part of the state due to the federal Clean Air Act in 1990. This process can revitalize the Southern Illinois coal industry.”

Reis said that high gas and oil prices have encouraged the conversion of coal into synthetic natural gas. “From what the experts are telling us” said Reis, “Conversion is an extremely clean process and any harmful byproducts can be captured and utilized.”

Illinois is a significant coal producer, mining more than 32 million tons of coal each year, with plentiful reserves that help give the United States the world's largest storehouse of coal. “For the state and for Southern Illinois, more coal production means more jobs,” said Reis. “It also means more revenue for state and local government, and more economic growth in our rural communities.”