If what you want is "unique," that pop of green would really help us stand out!

Believe it or not, we actually don't have official colors! People see those colors prominently on the state flag, but that's circumstance, same with the license plate and a few state agency logos, and tourism wound up running with it. They still made it into this design, though!

You've just described something that looks a lot like the Keystone Flag!

There's a redesign out there a child has already drawn for a homework assignment!

Like this?

That's awesome! And yeah, that COA would look way better as a tattoo than a flag. Would love to see it if/when you go for it!

I see where you're at, and have seen many folks suggest the same of this design. Counterpoint - our rivers, lakes, and waterways have a long and proud history predating iron and coal (especially when considering their significance to pre-colonial native tribes like the Lenape, Susquehannock, Erie, and others) and will have a much longer history outlasting those industries. That shade of blue was also altered from the COA to match the US flag, representing PA's pivotal role in national history (taking the role of the Eagle in our COA).

(Full disclosure, I'm the one who put this design together 5yrs ago! Glad to see it's still sparking good conversation. 🥰)