A committee of legislators will visit Coaldale on Thursday to discuss the past, present and future of the anthracite coal, and they have invited some of the industry’s leaders.

The hearing is being held as historians celebrate the 250th anniversary of the anthracite mining industry.

The Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee will be holding a public roundtable at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Coaldale Complex, 150 W. Phillips St.

Guests are asked to enter the building on Sixth Street.

The purpose of this forum, according to a news release, is to hear from industry experts, lawmakers and other interested parties on the state of anthracite coal mining, which coincides with the industry’s 250th anniversary.

State Sen. David G. Argall, R-Schuylkill/Berks, who requested the forum as a member of the JLCC, emphasized the importance of this public discussion.

“The anthracite industry has experienced a recent resurgence in some ways with creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, as well as lifting some federal regulations,” Argall said. “This industry has a proud history and heritage in our area and it is also a major employer for many of the people I represent in the Senate. It’s important to hear from employers and other stakeholders to learn about where we are headed.”

Argall will be joined by state Sen. Sharif Street, D-Philadelphia, a member of the JLCC; state Rep. Steve McCarter, D-Montgomery, a member of the JLCC; state Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill; state Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon; Greg Driscoll, president and chief executive Officer of Blaschak Coal Corporation; Duane Feagley, executive director of the Pennsylvania Anthracite Council; Jaret Gibbons, executive director of ARIPPA; Pat Grier, Alex van Hoekelen and Cok van Hoekelen of van Hoekelen Greenhouses Inc.; and Rusty Taylor, president and CEO, Lehigh Anthracite.

The Joint Legislative Conservation Committee is a nonpartisan, bicameral service agency of the Pennsylvania General Assembly specializing in issues related to the state’s diverse natural resources. Each legislative session, the committee hosts a series of environmental issues forums where guest speakers present to members, staff and the public on topics related to the environment, energy and conservation.