Module 9.1

Energy

the capacity to do work

fossil fuels

nonrenewable carbon-based resources (e.g., coal, oil, and natural gas)—that were formed over millions of years from the remains of dead organisms.

electricity

a natural form of energy (lightning and nerve impulses are electrical) that we have learned to create on demand

energy return on energy investment (EROEI).

a measure of the net energy from an energy source (the energy in the source minus the energy required to get it, process it, ship it, and then use it)

proven reserves

The amount of a resource remaining in discovered deposits.

surface mining

mining techniques tackle coal seams that are close to the surface of the ground by simply digging down to expose it

strip mining

Vegetation, soil, and rock that lie above the coal seam are stripped away, and heavy equipment digs out the coal

overburden

material that lies above the coal seam

mountaintop removal (MTR)

a technique of mining where the entire mountain top is removed to expose the coal seams below

subsurface mines

(underground mines)
used when ores are found below the surface of the earth

environmental impact statement

Statement required by Federal law from all agencies for any project using Federal funds to assess the potential affect of the new construction or development on the environment.

carbon capture and sequestration

the capture and storage of CO2 in a way that prevents it from reentering the atmosphere and contributing to climate change

clean coal

a process that chemically removes some of coal's contaminants before burning it

reclamation

when an area is returned to a state close to its pre-mining condition.