New Books in Economics Jessica Smith on Engineering and Public Accountability in Energy Industries
May 5, 2025
Jessica Smith, Professor at the Colorado School of Mines, shares her insights on engineering and public accountability in energy and mining. She reflects on her roots in coal country and discusses her book, 'Extracting Accountability.' Smith highlights the stereotypes surrounding engineers, the integration of social responsibility in engineering practices, and the challenges faced in mining and petroleum industries. The conversation also emphasizes the need for ethical frameworks and community engagement in navigating the complex dynamics of energy transition and carbon management.
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Engineers Mediate Amid Controversy
- Engineers in extractive industries mediate between companies and communities amid controversy.
- Engineers are often unfairly seen as cultureless tools for capital, which oversimplifies their roles.
Roots in Coal Country
- Jessica Smith grew up in Wyoming coal country and worked as a haul truck driver in mines.
- A class on Mining Ethnography redirected her focus to domestic extractive industries for her research.
Mining vs Petroleum Differences
- At Colorado School of Mines, petroleum and mining are small but symbolically significant programs.
- Mining industries differ in material footprint and social relations compared to petroleum.