The bipartisan House Coal Caucus enjoys a splendid day aboard a barge in the Monongahela River in Greene County. The Caucus is designed to defend and promote the coal industry.

Power plants such as the one behind me are in jeopardy because of various forces affecting the nation’s energy pool. Coal creates more than 41,000 jobs in Pennsylvania, and its abundance and other benefits make it vital for a balanced energy strategy.

It was a fascinating experience learning about barge traffic on the Monongahela River.

State Rep. Deberah Kula, a fellow Coal Caucus member, and I share a moment along the Monongahela during the Coal Caucus visit.

Coal was a prime topic during the Coal Caucus barge trip down the Monongahela River in Greene County. Washington and Greene counties have more than 8 billion tons of bituminous coal reserves.

Coal was a prime topic during the Coal Caucus barge trip down the Monongahela River in Greene County. Washington and Greene counties have more than 8 billion tons of bituminous coal reserves.

Coal was a prime topic during the Coal Caucus barge trip down the Monongahela River in Greene County. Washington and Greene counties have more than 8 billion tons of bituminous coal reserves. Coal was a prime topic during the Coal Caucus barge trip down the Monongahela River in Greene County. Washington and Greene counties have more than 8 billion tons of bituminous coal reserves.

State Rep. Ryan A. Bizzarro, center, and I discuss energy policies aboard the river barge.

Many facets of coal production were detailed during the visit by the bipartisan Coal Caucus. Many facets of coal production were detailed during the visit by the bipartisan Coal Caucus.

Easy does it! A fellow Coal Caucus member take her turn at the helm of the river barge.