Big Coal

Big Coal is a pejorative term used to describe the coal industry, particularly the large and powerful corporations involved in coal mining, processing, and transportation. The term often carries negative connotations, suggesting an industry that wields excessive political influence, prioritizes profits over environmental concerns and public health, and resists efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources.

The term "Big Coal" is not an officially defined entity but rather a rhetorical device employed by environmental activists, journalists, and academics to criticize the coal industry’s practices and lobbying efforts. It's used to highlight perceived issues such as:

• Environmental Damage: Concerns about the environmental impact of coal mining, including mountaintop removal, strip mining, and the release of pollutants into the air and water.

• Climate Change: The contribution of coal-fired power plants to greenhouse gas emissions and their role in accelerating climate change.

• Political Influence: The lobbying power and political donations of coal companies, which are seen as hindering efforts to regulate the industry or promote alternative energy sources.

• Worker Safety: Concerns about safety issues in coal mines and the health risks faced by coal miners.

• Economic Impact: Debate surrounding the economic benefits of coal production versus the long-term costs of environmental damage and climate change mitigation.

The term is often used in conjunction with other pejorative terms like "Dirty Coal," which specifically highlights the environmental consequences of using coal for energy production. The use of the term "Big Coal" is generally intended to evoke a sense of skepticism and distrust towards the industry and its activities.