Mountain Top Mining in Google Earth

A group opposed to mountaintop mining is using images from Google Earth to show the results (AP). Those on the “pro” side offer it’s not fair since they don’t show areas where reclamation has occurred.

Their website was launched in mid-September with a link to the campaign’s “National Memorial of the Mountains,” which shows a Google Earth map of Appalachia. The map pinpoints areas of mountaintop removal with graphics of flags at half-staff, and a 3-D tour reveals clear views of sludge ponds, blasting holes and mountains scraped of their peaks.

Makes me think of one of my favorite songs…

And daddy won’t you take me back to Muhlenberg County
Down by the Green River where Paradise lay
Well, I’m sorry my son, but you’re too late in asking
Mister Peabody’s coal train has hauled it away

-John Prine