Claiborne County, TN
Why Governor Bredesen Should Ban Strip Mining
Courtesy of www.unitedmountaindefense.org
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| A great reason to ban strip mining: photo by Gena Lewis |
Gov. Bredesen should support the bill to ban strip mining in Tennessee because:
1. Strip mining destroys far more jobs than it creates. Strip mining is a miniscule part of Tennessee’s economy and yet by destroying the mountains that tourists come to see and enjoy, it adversely affects one of Tennessee’s largest employers–tourism.
2. Strip mining destroys mining jobs. In every state, mining jobs have plummeted as strip mining for coal has taken root. This is because strip mining is so mechanized, while deep mining is not. Bulldozers are cheaper than people. We could create up to 5000 new mining jobs by banning strip mining in Tennessee (from 1971 Senate testimony, hearing before senate subcommittee on minerals, materials, and fules). Strip mining broke the back of the Mining Unions, which is why National Coal was able to brag in its SEC Filing:
“We are not burdened by below market long term pricing contracts and because our workforce is not unionized we do not have the extensive union pension and health care liabilities, including black lung liabilities and post-retirement medical benefits, that impact many of our competitors.”
3. Strip mining destroys headwater streams and highland watersheds. The crucial functions of these waters cannot be recreated or restored. Strip mining causes a permanent condition of pollution in violation of the Tennessee Water Quality Control Act.
4. Strip mining degrades fishing and fisheries.
5. Strip mining permanently disfigures the landscape and destroys Tennessee’s diverse forests. Tourists can now see the strip mines as they fly into Tennessee.
6. Strip mine companies often declare bankruptcy when coal booms end, leaving the state to pick up the resulting cost of landslides, massive erosion and contaminated sites. This cost can run into the millions.
7. Strip mine companies clearcut in advance of mining. Hardwood forests do not recover on these sites. This undermines forestry as a sustainable industry.
July 12th, 2007 at 11:43 am
An alternative to stip mining must be found, as well as to coal minners (to save thier lives or make the job less dangerous). There will be no more mountains if the process of stip mining continues, and ultimately every one will be out of a job with no tourists to visit them either except to see where something once great stood.