FOSSIL FUEL ENERGY

OILNATURAL GAS

COAL

COAL MININGTwo open pit coal mines are pictured above. Open pit mining for any mineral resource is discouraged because of its impact on the surrounding area.

The third picture is of an underground coal mine that is less objectionable for the immediate environment, but underground mining has always been dangerous and unhealthy for miners. Explosions of coal dust frequently killed or trapped miners underground. Caused by tiny particles of coal dust trapped in miners’ lungs, Black Lung Disease was a slower death that robbed miners of their health. Coal mining, therefore, has been one of the most dangerous occupations.

The next slide provides insight into Black Lung Disease. You can see coal dust on these miners from years ago who have ended their workshift. Today mining is much safer and cleaner than in the old days. You will see the contrast between the past and the present.

Coal mining was dangerous!

An exploding coal mine

Drilling for oil in the old days

Modern oil drilling techniques no longer Require the erection of a tower like the onePictured to the right.

PUMPING CRUDE OILEquipment in the preceding slides are pumping mechanisms designed to get liquid crude oil out of the ground. Oil wells are part of what can be seen in areas blessed with a reserve of crude oil, particularly in the southwestern United States. West Texas and New Mexico currently have our largest known quantity of oil.

Oil pumped from the ground is moved by pipelines to nearby oil storage tanks, then transported to refineries that make gasoline, lubricants, diesel, and other PETROLEUM products.

All this activity is necessary in order for us to enjoy the benefits of gasoline powered automobiles.

Natural Gas

Valves such as the one atRight control the flow of natural gas through Pipe lines.

Note the pecan grove in The background. Pipelines are a safe way To transport petroleumProducts and have noIll effects on agriculture.