Pippy to Head State Coal Advocacy Group

Former state y, R-Moon, will head an organization that lobbies on behalf of Pennsylvania's coal industry, according to reports. 

Pippy resigned from his seat in the state's 37th district, which includes Upper St. Clair, after casting his vote on the state's budget in June. His term was set to expire in November.  

Pippy is expected to announce today that he has been tapped as the CEO of the new Pennsylvania Coal Alliance, a group formed from a merger of the Pennsylvania Coal Association and Families Organized to Represent the Coal Economy, reports the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

He will make the announcement today during a press conference in State Square in Pittsburgh, according to the newspaper. 

The 41-year-old former lawmaker announced his retirement from the state Senate in January. He has served the 37th district since 2003. 

Pippy told the Trib that he will be "telling the positive story of coal," in his new position. 

With fewer than six months left until his term expires, Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley will decide whether a special election for Pippy's seat is "in teh public interest," according to state law. 

Matthew Keeler, a spokesman for the state Department of State, said Cawley will issue a writ of vacancy, although it’s not yet known what the lieutenant governor will do.

Pippy's district and capital staff will remain through the end of his term to aide constituents. 

We want to know: What do you think of Pippy's new position? What do you think of his resignation from the state Senate? Tell us in the comments.