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- Underground coal mining has all but disappeared in West Virginia after 200 years of nonstop mining.
- Surface or mountaintop mining has taken its place, which has fundamentally changed the landscape of Central Appalachia, in large part because it removes the tops of mountains.
- Scientists are concerned about the environmental effects of surface mining due to the chemicals that are released into the air and streams when mountain rock is crushed in the mining process. The chemicals harm stream water, freshwater organisms and potentially the people who live nearby, according to Emily Bernhardt, a professor of biogeochemistry at Duke University.
- However, members of the coal mining industry say the area's water quality is tested continuously and the environmental and health concerns have been overstated, according to Rocky Hackworth, a surface mine manager.
- President Donald Trump has promised to bring back mining jobs and has rolled back environmental regulations, including a stream protection rule put in place near the end of President Barack Obama's administration, which the West Virginia Coal Association says was too restrictive.
- Essential question : Why is mining sometimes a controversial issue in places like West Virginia?
- How is it possible that the scientific evidence related to the effects of surface mining gathered by the Duke University scientists and the data collected by the West Virginia Coal Association contradict each other? What questions should you ask about the research methods that were involved?
- Do you agree with President Trump's decision to rollback environmental regulations that protect water and air quality? Why or why not?
- Do you support surface mining in West Virginia? Based on your opinion, give three reasons for or against.
Sarah Seale contributed to this Daily News Story.
