This is the same as GEOL 1339, but it fulfills the University Writing Requirement.  This term's focus is on mining issues. Mining and oil and gas extraction has a long, important and sometimes dark history in Pennsylvania. Almost since the first black chunk was pried from the first mine, coal has been King in the Keystone State. It has fueled industries, heated homes, and powered trains and river tugs. It has been politically powerful. It has also colored streams, creeks and rivers orange and left them dead. It has scarred the rolling Allegheny hills, first with strip mines and now with "valley fills." How is mining's environmental legacy being addressed? How effective are current laws in regulating the industry? What's the latest, best, mining technique, and what is its public impact? What has been industry's response? What impacts, what's different and the same about the latest extractive industry in the state: Marcellus Shale natural gas development. Guest speakers from industry will be scheduled.  Offered in alternate years. Lecture 3 hours.

Course prerequisites

None