Good summary of how coal barons extract coal from public lands, paying virtually nothing for the resource, and are planning to expand their markets overseas, even as coal continues to shrink as a share of generation in this country.
Good summary of how coal barons extract coal from public lands, paying virtually nothing for the resource, and are planning to expand their markets overseas, even as coal continues to shrink as a share of generation in this country.
I’m unclear how coal in it’s mined state presents a danger to streams and rivers should some end up in them. I’m clear on the dangers coal ash presents. I know coal is basically an unrefined ore with lots of unhealthy inclusions but those are mostly released by burning. Also clean-up of a solid is a breeze compared to a liquid.
This seems a weak argument and it undercuts the other points and I would suggest editing it out.
The other arguments are more than adequate to condemn this practice. The lack of public consultation in the use of this resource. The giving away of public treasure at rock-bottom prices in back-room deals.
And, of course, changing the only climate in Earths’ history in which agriculture has been able to be practiced! That needs far more emphasis.
Cute video, but my reaction was pretty much the same as Glenn Martin’s. I winced when it got to the ominous implications of shipping coal ore by rail, which is weak tea compared to the nastiness of mining it or the ultimate insult of burning it.
Noelie
There are multiple direct adverse effects on rivers and streams associated with coal mining whether by shafts or strip mining. But it appears you are interested in adverse impacts associated with coal transport, especially by rail. I suggest you take a look at the following link: http://www.coaltrainfacts.org/key-facts. I am not suggesting you accept all they present uncritically, but it is a good starting point. The key point is that the volume of traffic will result in serious impacts over time.