What Impact Does Coal Have On Kentucky Ecology And Economy ?What Impact Does Coal Have On Kentucky Ecology And Economy
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What Impact Does Coal Have On Kentucky Ecology And Economy ?

Coal mining has a huge impact on Kentucky both in terms of economy and ecology. It is estimated that the coal industry brings around $528 million in revenues for the state of Kentucky. This revenue includes $224 million from severance tax, and the balance comes from corporate tax, individual income tax, sales tax, property tax, transportation tax and permit fees.

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However, the state spends $643 million on coal-related expenditures that include handling the impact by coal industry on the hauling road system, regulating environmental, health and safety aspects of the industry, paying for coal worker training programs, conducting research for the coal industry, promoting education about coal in schools and supporting all the residents of the state who are directly or indirectly employed by the coal industry.

The coal fields located in eastern and western parts of Kentucky produce nearly 85 percent of the total coal in the state. The mined coal is not only used to generate electricity in the state, but it is also sold to the neighboring states. Thereby generating more revenues for the state.

It is estimated that the coal miners in the state draw an average wages of approximately $800 a week.

The economic and environmental impact of coal on Kentucky has made coal a hot topic in the state.

Environmentalists are not happy with the regulations being followed by the coal mining companies using mountain top mining methods. This form of mining not only strips the land of forests but also contaminates and blocks underground streams and water bodies. Basically the process involves blasting the mountain top to uncover seams of coal. However, the resultant rocks and mud from the blasts block streams and other running water bodies.

Unfortunately for Kentucky, coal power plants are the major source of electricity for the state. These plants are the biggest culprits when it comes to climate change. The older plants are not technologically equipped to handle emissions and therefore, are the major source of sulfur oxide and other pollutants.

In addition, parts of the state where mining from previous decades has stripped the land bare, acid rain is a reality.  Also, open pit mines in Kentucky have managed to destroy vast tracts of land, and are responsible for lowering the level of groundwater.

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What Impact Does Coal Have On Kentucky Ecology And Economy

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