West Virginia is a land of natural beauty. Often described as "wild and wonderful," the state's fall foliage, scenic rivers and abundant wildlife inspired the composition of a ballad. The song "Take Me Home, Country Roads" describes West Virginia as "almost paradise" and the phrase is difficult to refute (Danoff, Denver, & Nivert, 1971). According to the West Virginia Department of Commerce (2009), the state ranks among the lowest in the nation in cost of living, employee turnover rate, average housing price, and violent crime cases. . Nestled among rolling hills and winding rivers, one could certainly be convinced that West Virginia is simply a modern-day Garden of Eden. However, the Mountain State is not without its share of problems. Just as the deceptive serpent perpetuated Adam and Eve's banishment from Paradise, mountaintop removal poses a serious threat to West Virginia's ecosystem and economy. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (2005) defines mountaintop removal as “a mining practice where mountaintops are removed, exposing coal seams. Appalachian coal companies adopted this process as a way to acquire coal more quickly. Proponents of mountaintop removal focus not only on the abundant and cheap energy that is produced, but also on the supposed increase in safer occupation opportunities for miners. These individuals also claim that flattened land provides space for airports, prisons and shopping malls. However, removing mountain peaks has serious consequences that need to be revealed. Myths need to be dispelled. First of all, coal is not an abundant resource. It is a non-renewable resource and, according to a United States geological survey, is only expected... middle of paper ......tistics. Ed. Michael Levi. United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, February 1, 2010. Web. June 20, 2010. United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2005). Mountain Top Mining Valley completes Appalachian Program's final environmental impact statement. Retrieved June 19, 2010 from .United States Geologic Survey. USGS: Your science source you can use. Ed. Marcia McNutt. United States Department of the Interior, 2000. Web. June 20, 2010. .West Virginia Department of Commerce. (2009). This is our West Virginia. Retrieved June 19, 2010 from the West Virginia Office of Juvenile Health, Safety and Training. West Virginia Coal Mining Facts. Ed. David Kessler. West Virginia State Agency, October 15, 2009. Web. June 20 2010. .