Sources

Uses

Transformation (electricity)

Make some statements based on this info

Where is the waste?

How efficient?

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Why are our numbers so different?

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How much did you improve the efficiency?

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What are the sources of error?

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The 1977 Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) requires the operator to restore the land to a condition capable of supporting the uses it could support prior to mining, or to “higher or better uses.” 

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The operator is required to do the following: 

• Restore the Approximate Original Contour (AOC) of the land;
• Avoid acid mine drainage and prevent erosion to minimize impacts to nearby waters;
• Reclaim the land in a timely manner; and,
• Establish appropriate vegetation that will cover the previously disturbed area.

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Mountain top removal reclamation

Depending on who you talk to, reclamation of mountain top removal sites is a huge success or an utter failure

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Do some research of your own about Mountain top removal reclamation.

�TURN IN A PAPER WITH TWO PARAGRAPHS:

Summarize your research�Explain if you think reclamation is a success or not.

Petroleum dominates transportation

and is the energy source we use the most of

Bottom line: We need to reduce our dependence on oil

Reserves: ~ Limited supply

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Pros:

Liquid Vehicle Fuel

Energy rich

Easy to Store

Cons:

Monopolized Commodity

U.S. has 3% of supply

CO₂ combustion product

Hubbert curve

Natural gas has multiple uses: heating buildings and water, industry, and electricity generation

Replacing coal with natural gas in power plants cleaner but still contributes to climate change

Pros:

1/2 CO₂ emissions of coal

Can be efficient and clean

Cons:

Fracking has environmental� consequences� (uses much water)

Much of world’s supply in� Russia, Middle East

Gaseous, hard to store

Still produces CO₂

Most power plants burn coal due to cost & availability coal combustion has highest toxicity and CO₂ levels

Reserves: ~ We have LOTS of coal

Pros:

Cheapest energy source

(but costs are externalized)

Found in consuming countries

Very stable price

Cons:

Very CO₂ intensive

Toxic byproducts (mercury,� sulfur oxides)

Bottom line: We won’t run out of coal before atmosphere

Conventional nuclear fission is today’s most utilized non-fossil energy source

Nuclear power plant

Works the same as a coal plant but uses nuclear reaction to make heat

U₂₃₅ is unstable

Get enough together and neutrons will start a chain reaction

Fuel rods

Hold uranium fuel pellets

Control rods

Absorb neutrons, stopping reaction

Nuclear power plant

MELTDOWN

Uncontrolled reaction

Control rods stuck

Cooling water not pumped

Conventional nuclear fission is today’s most utilized non-fossil energy source

Reserves: (80 – 160 years U.S.)

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Pros:

Non-fossil (no CO₂) at plant

Long term supply using breeder� reactors (recycles waste)

Cons:

Very expensive

Accidents catastrophic

Risk assumed by government

Proliferation concerns

No plan to store� Radioactive/waste

(Stored on sight)

Bottom line: Unique technology, opportunities, and risks

Fuel Wood Dead and sometimes live wood

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Used for: heating, cooking,� disinfecting water

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Environmental Concerns:

Deforestation, Habitat loss

loss of species

Advantages:

Low-tech, used all over especially rural areas

Easily available by many

Can be renewable if harvested sustainably

Disadvantages:

Smog

deforestation

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