U.S. Rep. Wilson urges use of Ohio's coal, natural gas reserves for economic development

CANFIELD — Investment in clean-coal technology should be a key component of the region’s economic development strategy, U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson of St. Clairsville, D-6th, said today.

Wilson said that his district — which spans 325 miles along the Ohio River — should take advantage of its abundant coal and natural gas resources to grow the area’s energy industry.

The development of clean-coal technologies and new liquid fuel sources will hasten the district’s economic recovery, while helping reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, he said.

The congressman, who is up for re-election in November, met with local business leaders and elected officials at a breakfast this morning at Avion on the Water, hosted by the Youngstown/ Warren Regional Chamber.

Wilson, whose speech focused on the economic recovery, fielded questions on a number of legislative issues, ranging from trade policy to the U.S. military strategy in Afghanistan.

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