Hard coal built parts of northeastern Pennsylvania into an economic powerhouse in the 1800s and early 1900s, and helped fuel the nation's industrial revolution.

Even today, it's hard to find a native who doesn't have roots underground in areas like Pottsville, Schuylkill County.

So it is with no small dose of irony that Schuylkill County leaders recently offered a proposal to convert the county courthouse and prison from homegrown anthracite to natural gas heat.

The county commissioners say they're trying to save money. But the idea went over like an anthracite balloon with coal executives and coal-region lawmakers.

They say the county is sending the wrong message about coal's future - and disrespecting its past.

Brian Rich, a member of Schuylkill County's most prominent coal family, says the proposal is insulting.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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