CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Commissioners’ recent visit to the White House was successful.
The commissioners were introduced to various federal officials and developed contacts during the Pennsylvania County Commissioners conference, and these were re-affirmed in a follow-up afterward.
“It was a very positive meeting,” said Commissioner Tony Scotto, chairman. “… They are open to reaching out to our level of government … since they feel we have the contact with the common people.”
According to Scotto, Clearfield County officials are “highly interested” in the rare earth metals. He said they believe there might be possible deposits in the county.
He said they will be working with U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, Pennsylvania officials and the federal Department of Energy in an exploration effort.
Scotto said the Energy Department has national laboratories that conduct testing on soil to determine concentration and how to get it out on the market.
Commissioner John A. Sobel added that the county has extended an invitation to a research laboratory, which is controlled by the Energy Department in Philadelphia, to come and search for rare earth metals.
He said these deposits are usually found in conjunction with coal activity, and so he’s hoping the county can also become a future source of rare earth metals.
“These are vital for modern electronics, and one of the biggest purchasers is the U.S. Defense Department,” he said. “Unfortunately, America has been behind in their development.”
Sobel said the commissioners are thankful for their White House invitation, and Commissioner Mark B. McCracken added they were impressed by the agenda and line-up of speakers.
McCracken said in his years as commissioner, he’s never witnessed this level of outreach, especially to rural areas of the commonwealth, including Clearfield County.
When another commissioner from Pennsylvania asked why the state and federal associations for county commissioners were not a part of the conference, McCracken said the response was “pretty blunt” and that the federal officials wanted to speak directly to the commissioners.
Scotto and Sobel said federal officials want to stay in contact with the commissioners monthly to keep the lines of communication open.
