There is a big debate about whether Mountain Top Coal Mining should be allowed or not. Advocates for this type of mining remind us we need the coal for our coal-fired electrical generation plants, and that WV, KY, PA, and WV need the jobs. They also tell us that they can do it without adversely impacting the environment. So, let's discuss this briefly.

Interestingly enough, I just got done reading "Divine Justice" by David Baldacci - very interesting read, and I've been having long conversations about all this with Think Tank members. Some of the conditions in some of the smaller below ground minds simply is not suitable for humans. It's dangerous and debilitating on the body.

And yes, with just a little bit of knowledge of coal, above ground mining and such one might come to the conclusion that we ought to mine all our coal from above ground and not below ground, if nothing more than for safety reasons. Our company has had contracts working with companies in Gillette, WY and cleaned Coal Cars for Florida Light and Power (that had not been cleaned in 15-years). Over the years you learn a lot about the coal industry.

One thing that has always fascinated me is that the older below ground coal mines could compete with the massive scale of an above ground coal mining effort like that which is running 24/7 in Wyoming. Maybe they can't and realize they have to do mountain top coal mining to compete or go out of business.

This whole concept of course has the environmentalists up in arms, they do not want the "Picturesque Appalachian Mountains to look like a war zone" stated a gentleman with American Indian heritage from the region. Please consider this.

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