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Grow Rural PA is revitalizing rural communities in Central Pennsylvania through direct technical assistance, policy recommendations for sustainable economic development strategies, and partnerships with state and federal agencies.
In May 2024, Grow Rural PA received a $100,000 investment from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Capacity Building for Repurposing Energy Assets grant program to help move toward a sustainable future that redefines the region’s legacy. With the grant, Grow Rural PA developed a roadmap for future clean energy production, using solar energy to produce green hydrogen, derive feedstocks, and clean water contaminated by acid mine drainage. These efforts will support the development of a robust local workforce in advanced manufacturing — a workforce that has existed in this region for decades but needs support as clean energy projects shift manufacturing demands.
“Our region is uniquely positioned to seize this opportunity. With a long legacy of coal mining and a vibrant economy powered by carbon/graphite and powdered metal producers, these funds will provide the technical capacity needed to keep our regional economy strong and to help it grow.” – Deborah Pontzer, President of Grow Rural PA.
Grow Rural PA also works with policymakers and state and federal agencies to communicate the value of investing in rural and geographically underserved communities to improve access to adequate and equitable resources. After developing the roadmap to repurpose retired mine lands, Grow Rural PA asked the community for their feedback. Conservationists and miners joined the discussion and shared ideas on how to clean contaminated water. Local companies and unions discussed the need for clean energy adoption and how they could work to fill supply chain gaps. Government officials and manufacturers worked together to find solutions to funding challenges. Workforce development professionals, academics and technical education providers identified local resources and contributed occupation data on ways to meet future workforce demands.
Pennsylvania remains the third-largest (by volume) coal-producing state in the country. As of 2022, there were only 108 active coal mines in the state — a steep drop from the 120 mines in 2021. Today, the commonwealth has more than 11,200 abandoned mines, providing numerous opportunities for the private sector to reclaim and repurpose energy assets to create new jobs for energy workers.
The Energy Communities IWG is charged with advancing an interagency commitment of robust federal leadership in direct partnership with energy communities to foster economic investment and revitalization and ensure the creation of good-paying jobs. The Energy Communities IWG has identified billions of dollars in funding to support transitioning energy communities in reviving their economy for the future. Investments in projects such as the Tri-County Workforce Investment Board help ensure new jobs and opportunities will become available in all pockets of America.