Pennsylvania Senators want U.S. Dept. of Energy office in Pittsburgh

(WHTM) — Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senators have introduced a bill that would move a Department of Energy office to the Keystone State.

Senators Dave McCormick (R) and John Fetterman (D) want the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management to move to Pittsburgh.

The agency employs about 750 scientists, engineers, technicians and administrative staff.

McCormick proposed a similar move last year as well, noting that it would put the office closer to the industry and in the center of one of the largest natural gas-producing regions in the United States.

“For far too long, federal agencies in Washington have been physically removed from the workers and industries they regulate,” McCormick said. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Fetterman on this legislation to bring a critical Energy Department office to Pittsburgh near the heart of the Marcellus.”

Fetterman termed Pittsburgh as “uniquely qualified to be home” to the office.

“FECM is an important agency that supports lower-carbon fuels like natural gas while addressing and lowering carbon emissions,” Fetterman said. “Housing federal agencies in the communities they impact is a no brainer.”

If passed, the bill would require the department to move the office to Pittsburgh within a year.

The office already has a presence in Pittsburgh via the National Energy Technology Laboratory.