![]() ![]() demand for electricity has increased 70% (Julia Fox) b) Coal provides fuel for 52% of America’s electricity (Washington Post, 2006) 2. MTR satisfies America’s demand for cheap energy. ![]() Several factors perpetuate the MTR plague on Appalachia. (3) In 1972, sludge impoundment failed in Logan County, West Virginia, which killed 125 people and destroyed thousands of homes (Kari Lydersen, The Progressive) (4) Approximately 450,000 West Virginians are without drinkable water (Julia Fox, Organization & Environment)ī. (1) Residents near heavy coal production have higher risk for cardiopulmonary disease, chronic lung disease, and kidney disease (American Journal of Public Health, 2008) (2) Hospitalization for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension are significantly higher for residents near heavy coal production (Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, 2007). a) MTR devastates fresh water streams (1) Over 1200 miles of streams already severely damaged (John McQuaid) (2) Significant elevations of selenium downstream from valley fills (EPA environmental impact study, 2003) b) MTR destroys ancient forests (1) The EPA estimates that by 2013 a forested area the size of the state of Delaware will have been destroyed by MTR (EPA impact study, 2003) c) MTR threatens the health and lives of those living near coal production. ![]() MTR ravages the environment and threatens human health. Mountaintop removal has destroyed vast amounts of the Appalachia. Over 470 mountains leveled since the 1980s (Boston Globe) a) By 2012, over 820,000 acres will be destroyed by MTR (Washington Post) 2. Mountaintop removal poses devastating health and environmental risks in Appalachia. Preview: I begin with a survey of MTR and its health and environmental risks, then, some major reasons for the persistence of MTR, and, finally, a policy proposal that will mitigate the tremendous damage resulting from MTR. Motivation: While you may feel somewhat removed from MTR, its contribution to our energy supply is as close as the light switch on the wall.ĭ. Thesis: Mountaintop removal (MTR) is one of the most devastating environmental issues facing the U.S.today, with significant health and environmental risks.Ĭ. stated, “King Coal” is now accomplishing what the glaciers could not-obliterating the hemisphere’s oldest, most biologically dense and diverse forests.”ī. Attention-getter: After observing first-hand mountaintop removal in West Virginia, Robert Kennedy, Jr. Professor’s Name Persuasive (Policy) Speech Outline-First Draft 19 November 2018 I. ![]()
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