HARRISBURG,PA – Coal mining operations will be allowed to continue under an update announced by Gov. Tom Wolf Friday, state Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Greene/Fayette/Washington, announced. Snyder said following Thursday’s order from Wolf that mandated the closure of non-life sustaining companies, which initially included coal mining operations, she has been in constant contact with representatives from the governor’s office, members of the United Mine Workers of America and coal mining company officials.“It’s imperative that our coal operations continue – they are a vital part of keeping our energy grid running as it should, especially during this current pandemic situation,” Snyder said. “I applaud Governor Wolf and members of his team who have been willing to work with us to keep these and other vital energy-producing businesses fully operational. To shut down operations, even temporarily, would be devastating on so many levels, and I am thankful that a shutdown isn’t happening.”Snyder added any business that wants to apply for a waiver from the closure order can do so by using the following email address: RA-dcexemption@pa.gov. Businesses that have questions as to whether they need to close can contact the state Department of Community and Economic Development by email at RA-dcedcs@pa.gov.