Question

as the human population increases, the need for energy resources increases. coal is the most commonly used fuel for energy production in the united states. one method of reaching coal deposits is strip mining. strip mining scrapes away soil and rocks from earths surface to reach coal deposits below. this practice results in habitat loss, soil erosion, and groundwater contamination. how can science best help reduce the amount of strip mining that occurs? develop technology for energy resources that can replace coal develop machinery that more quickly strips away the layer of soil and rock that covers the coal deposits enact laws to protect fragile habitats that are on the surface of coal deposits create plans to reseed and replant areas that are damaged by strip mining

Explanation:

If there are alternative energy resources that can replace coal, the demand for coal will decrease. As a result, the amount of strip mining (which is done to obtain coal) will also reduce. Developing machinery to strip away soil and rock more quickly would likely increase strip - mining activities. Enacting laws to protect habitats on coal deposits only protects specific areas but doesn't reduce the overall need for coal (and thus strip mining in other areas). Creating plans to reseed and replant damaged areas is a form of re - mediation but doesn't address the root cause of strip mining (the need for coal).

Answer:

develop technology for energy resources that can replace coal