L-154 BM Ray Ventrone, second from left, leads a panel on coal issues Aug. 17. Joining Ventrone are, l. to r., U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, Pittsburgh Building Trades President Rich Stanizzo, and Allegheny County Labor Council President Jack Shea.
Leaders from four states attend
A COAL SUMMIT hosted by Local 154 (Pittsburgh) Aug. 17 drew about 200 leaders from organized labor, business, environmental groups, and government, as well as rank-and-file union members. The event was planned by the L-154 Clean Coal Committee to bring together parties who have a shared interest in the future of coal.
The regional meeting involved lawmakers and other participants from four states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Three members of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation attended, including Rep. Tim Murphy (R-18th), Rep. Mike Doyle (D-14th), and Rep. Mark Critz (D-12th). Also participating was Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.
Coalition partners from the coal industry also took part, including the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance; First Energy Corporation; Consol Energy; Edison Mission Energy; and the United Mine Workers of America.
A press conference followed the summit.
L-154’s efforts to build a regional coalition for clean coal included a “clean coal rally” in 2010 that saw more than 700 members take to the street in front of the union hall, raising public awareness and drawing media attention.
Boilermakers Local 154 Clean Coal Summit from Brian Naja on Vimeo.
