THE ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF THE COAL INDUSTRY TO PENNSYLVANIA

Special Research Report SR-64 Pennsylvania has been a primary source of mineral fuels in the United States since about 1840, just a few years after the advent of sustained interstate transport of coal. In 1963, the Commonwealth ranked sixth among all states in value of fossil fuels produced. Over 90 per cent of such output was coal, worth approximately $500 million at the mines. About 36, 000 men earned over $200 million producing Pennsylvania coal, and railroads received $150 million for carrying it. The purpose of the present study is to analyze the net con- tributions of coal to the economy. Policy makers in both business and government thus can have a clearer comprehension of the results that their decisions may have on the thousands of Pennsyl- vanian families whose present income is dependent on coal. This investigation contributes to knowledge of coal's place in the economy by analysis of available statistical data and the presentation of information collected in special field surveys