PITTSBURGH — More than 2,000 union workers and others organized by the coal industry in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia are rallying today here to oppose new proposed pollution regulations.

Gov. Tom Corbett told reporters before speaking to the crowd in a minor league soccer stadium this morning that a clean environment is important. But he said environmental regulations on coal-fired power plants have to strike a balance with the state’s energy needs.

Corbett said if the regulations lead to closure of too many power plants, there may not be enough electricity for residents in the state.

The Environmental Protection Agency is holding hearings Thursday and Friday on the proposed stricter regulations.