The energy, power, and transportation industries are some of the most polluting
industries on earth. They are also some of the industries most responsible for improving
our quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to use these technologies, while
striving to minimize the environmental damage they can cause. Pollution can come in
many forms. The most obvious form is air pollution. Acid rain and other forms of water
pollution can be attributed to power generation and our extensive use of the automo-
bile. There are also a variety of other forms of environmental pollution that are not as
well known. These forms of pollution include lead poisoning, light pollution, noise
pollution, land pollution, thermal pollution, and even possible pollution from electro-
magnetic fields (EMFs). Many devices have been created to curb harmful emissions
from escaping into the atmosphere.
Energy, Power, Transportation, and the Environment 623
acidic solution
air pollution
baghouse
basic solution
Clean Air Act (CAA)
electromagnetic field
(EMF)
fish kill
land pollution
lead poisoning
light pollution
natural pollutant
noise pollution
nonattainment
pH
reclamation
surface mining
suspended particle
thermal pollution
water pollution
wet scrubber
All the following words have been used in this chapter. Do you know their meanings?
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper. Do not write in this book.
1. True or False? The Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1955 was enacted at the state level.
2. True or False? Most acid rain can be attributed to natural causes.
3. _____ was a gasoline additive that was eventually phased out because of the
adverse health effects it caused.
4. True or False? Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from power lines have no proven
side effects to date.
5. Write one or two sentences about how obtaining energy resources has harmed
the environment.
6. True or False? Reclamation refers to the reconditioning of mined land for
alternate use.