WHEELING - U.S. Rep. David McKinley has co-authored legislation to work toward a comprehensive, and long-term energy policy for the country by establishing a commission to address the future of America's energy needs.

McKinley, R-W.Va., and Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., partnered Tuesday to introduce a bill establishing the "Biennial Energy Commission on Energy Policy." It would be comprised of 15 members from a diverse group of industries that include labor organizations, utilities, energy researchers, environmentalists, and economists.

"For too long the lack of a sound energy policy has negatively impacted our economy and made America less secure. The goal of this commission will be to develop a plan that will create jobs, grow our economy and put America on the path to energy independence by promoting affordable and reliable sources of energy," McKinley said in a press release.

McKinley's legislation is introduced as the nation's largest coal producer, St. Louis-based Peabody Energy, filed for bankruptcy Wednesday, joining other major mining firms such as Patriot Coal, Alpha Natural Resources and Arch Coal in seeking Chapter 11 protection.

Cheap natural gas and regulatory pressure from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have led to a significant dip in demand for coal, as coal-fired power plants either shut down or seek to convert to other fuels.

"It is important that both parties come together and find common ground on our most pressing issues. Sound energy policies should not be broken by partisan divides that come and go with different administrations," McKinley said.

According to McKinley, the commission, if created would:

"Even in the midst of so much gridlock in Washington, this bill demonstrates that we can come together across the aisle to find common ground to meet our nation's energy goals," DeGette said. "I'm so proud to have crafted this legislation with my good friend and colleague, Rep. McKinley, and I look forward to seeing our other colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, join together with us in this important endeavor."