This may seem like a scene from some popular post-apocalyptic movie, but for many, it's a frightening reality. This is the story that the hour and twenty-five minute long documentary Coal Country tells: the effects and results of strip mining for coal in Appalachia. The viewer is earnestly invited to delve into the depths of the heavy controversy between the mining industry and the public. First however, some context on the coal mining situation in the East is provided.
Before coal mining became a corporate, industrialized enterprise, it began with private individuals. Miners and their families settled in coal regions to extract the precious rock from the Earth. Come the Industrial Revolution, the demand for coal skyrocketed, as coal was needed to power all of the newly developed machinery. Towns grew around coal mining areas consisting of people who shared a common goal. A sense of community and pride was instilled as generations passed. For many, coal mining was a lifestyle, coal miners were neighbors, and coal mines were homes. Later, when the mining industries formed and swallowed up the smaller enterprises, and new machinery was developed to mechanize the mining process, individuals lost their role in mining. Communities fell apart under the shadow of mass-production corporations. The coal miner was no longer a rugged hero and the community was no longer shaping its own destiny.
Now, coal mining has become a messy, destructive, ugly process based around the principles of getting the most coal out of the ground as quickly and efficiently as possible and making the most money. As a result, both the environment and the people with ties to the coal regions are experiencing negative externalities. Without further thought, it appears to be an entirely evil affair.
But before drawing any firm conclusions, consider the position that the coal corporation is in. First, they are providing jobs. In 2008, 86,859 people were employed in the coal mining industry in United States, 58,745 of those being employed in Appalachia. Obviously, coal mining creates a large amount of jobs and increases employment. Also, coal mining is an important part of regional and national economy. It contributes to the overall GDP and brings money to areas that may struggle otherwise. Finally, and probably most importantly, over half our nation's electricity comes from coal. The truth is, the country is driven by coal, and until some major change takes place, the United States depends on coal.
Clearly, this is a very difficult dilemma. The mining industry generally resents the citizens for protesting against their actions and standing in the way of business and profit. And realistically, the nation does depend tremendously upon the power of coal for our basic necessities. On the other hand, as big business meets the needs of millions, the cost is measured in the devastation of life for the few - both human and environmental. It seems that neither side is necessarily right or wrong, but clearly some change needs to take place. If coal miners (or really any people who extract natural resources from the planet) continue at such a pace, eventually Earth will literally be torn apart. But if they stop, there will be no coal, less jobs, and likely some economic downfall due to the loss of a very profitable sector. Business, money, health, public satisfaction and safety, the environment, energy demands, and employment are all factors in this debate that will have to be balanced. The question is, how?
That question remains largely unresolved. The obvious answer is to stop using coal and switch to using renewable, clean sources. The problem with this is that the infrastructure of the nation is not set up to capture, distribute, and utilize this energy. Converting to renewable sources of energy will require a complete redesign and reconfiguration of the energy systems. Though costly and time consuming, it is a doable feat. The only way for it to be accomplished however, is for citizens to show interest and compel their political leaders to invest the time and money into doing so.
Already, there is a growing movement in Appalachia to reconsider, if not entirely terminate, the coal mining industry. Protesters are lobbying the government to take action. Information about the negative effects of coal mining is widely dispersed and becoming common knowledge. There are even cases being taken to court by ordinary citizens and organization against state and federal agencies for failing to enforce existing laws protecting the environment. Joe Lovett is a West Virginian lawyer who has spent the past ten years involved exclusively in this topic. Lovett would agree that even though the fight is long and not easily won, such actions are contributing to a broader change.
Overall, this was a good movie. It was played up pretty dramatically, but that was likely meant to draw upon the more human, emotional side of the story. The program wasn't very entertaining or "fun" to watch, but the message it conveyed about the effects of coal mining in our country and the future of the energy sector was, first and foremost, the focus of the program.
For more information on the documentary and the coal mining industry: Coal Country
UPDATE:
Follow up:
At least 25 coal miners in West Virginia died on April 6 after the worst mining accident in over two decades. An explosion occurred at Upper Big Branch mine, owned by Massey Energy. The cause of the explosion is unknown. It is noted however that in the past, Upper Big Branch mine had been charged with various violations concerning ventilation and equipment. Whether or not this has any relevance to the explosion, it is clear that the mine was not always following important safety regulations.
Coincidentally, the CEO of Massey Energy, Don Blankenship, played a big role in the movie Coal Country. As a businessman, Blankenship is infamous for his tendency to value profit over the safety of his workers. Previous minor accidents have taken place throughout the years under the regulation of Blankenship, however the April 6th. disaster is by far the most severe. Hopefully, this tragic incident will finally draw the nation's attention to the painfully overlooked problem facing all miners today.
US mine explosion leaves 25 dead
