A Parting Gift For the Coal Industry

In summary, the conversation discusses the issue of surface mining and its impact on the environment. It specifically mentions mountaintop removal, a controversial coal mining practice, and the Bush administration's plan to extend this practice through a new regulation. The conversation also brings up the potential harm to land reclamation and the railroad industry's involvement in coal mining. Ultimately, the conversation questions the ethical implications of this type of mining and its effects on the environment.
  • #1
edward
62
166
The other black gold. Could we screw up the environment any worse than this? Strip mines are bad enough, but surface mining on hillsides and hilltops is not compatible with land reclamation.

WASHINGTON: The Bush administration is set to issue a regulation on Friday that would extend the coal mining practice of mountaintop removal. The technique involves blasting off the tops of mountains and dumping the rubble into valleys and streams.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/23/europe/coal.php

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/08/24/surface.mining.ap/index.html
 
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  • #2
Presumably he can only order this in America, for once the rest of the world is safe.
 
  • #3
Don't we already have the worlds largest coal reserves? Guess it keeps the railroad industry strong.
 

Related to A Parting Gift For the Coal Industry

1. What is "A Parting Gift For the Coal Industry"?

"A Parting Gift For the Coal Industry" is a hypothetical scenario in which the coal industry receives a large sum of money as compensation for the phase-out of coal as an energy source. It is often used as a thought experiment to explore the potential impacts of such a scenario on the industry and the economy.

2. Why would the coal industry receive a parting gift?

The coal industry may receive a parting gift as a form of compensation for the economic and social impacts of transitioning away from coal. As coal becomes less viable as an energy source due to concerns about climate change and air pollution, governments or other entities may provide financial support to help the industry adapt and diversify.

3. Who would provide this parting gift?

The source of the parting gift could vary, but it is likely to come from government entities or other organizations that have a stake in the transition away from coal. This could include local, state, or federal governments, as well as private organizations or investors.

4. What would be the impact of the parting gift on the coal industry?

The impact of the parting gift on the coal industry would depend on the amount and conditions of the gift. It could potentially provide financial stability and support for the industry as it transitions to other forms of energy. However, it could also perpetuate the industry's reliance on coal and delay the necessary shift to cleaner energy sources.

5. How would the parting gift affect the environment?

The environmental impact of the parting gift would depend on how the coal industry chooses to use the funds. If the gift is used to invest in cleaner energy technologies, it could potentially have a positive impact on the environment. However, if the industry continues to rely on coal for energy production, it could contribute to ongoing environmental issues such as air and water pollution and carbon emissions.

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