Book Review: Mountaintop mining in Appalachia: Understanding stakeholders and change in environmental conflict

Mountaintop Mining in Appalachia examines the debate over surface mining from a variety of perspectives using the theoretical framework of conflict analysis and resolution. The book goes to great lengths to present divergent opinions without favoring a particular side and is largely successful at doing so. Hirsch and Dukes focus on stakeholders at every level of the conflict, which allows them to paint a clear and balanced picture of those involved in a divisive, often controversial practice going back several decades. By viewing mountaintop mining through the lens of stakeholders, the authors are able to examine the institutions, politics, and values that have led to such differing worldviews held by those involved and the underlying beliefs that have thus far prevented a resolution.

Each chapter of the book focuses on a different facet of the conflict. With chapter one serving as a general introduction, chapter two gives an overview of the practices of mountaintop mining including the role government regulation plays in supporting or curtailing the practice. The third chapter explores the concept of stakeholders and how differing beliefs give rise to and prolong conflict. This ties directly into the next chapter which provides historical context for the current situation. The authors do a great job of exploring the major events that gave rise to the current climate and beliefs surrounding mountaintop mining. This is helpful for readers not versed in the sometimes violent history of coal mining. Chapter five provides a case study on the Clinch River Valley Initiative which gives the reader a more individualized, micro view of how consensus-building among stakeholders can take place. The final two chapters look at how national politics can affect the conflict and at the future of mountaintop mining.

It is interesting that at the end the authors challenge the readers to explore what role they may already play as a stakeholder and how they might participate in this conversation if they do not yet play a direct role. The closing chapter really drives home the importance of this issue and how, as Americans, most of us—Appalachian residents or not—are already stakeholders in this conversation at some level. It takes the reader from being a passive observer to an active participant, which is a rare quality in any book.

Due to the authors framing the discussion using conflict analysis and resolution, Mountaintop Mining in Appalachia could serve as a case study in how to engage populations with divergent views. This makes the book generalizable to other conflicts outside of the controversy surrounding surface mining. Mountaintop Mining in Appalachia would be a great resource to both academic and public libraries not only within the Appalachian region but beyond.

Paul Nease
Library Assistant, Government Documents, Law, & Maps
East Tennessee State University