Peoples & Things Jessica Smith on Engineering and Public Accountability in Energy Industries
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May 5, 2025 Jessica Smith, a Professor at the Colorado School of Mines, dives deep into the intersections of engineering, ethics, and public accountability in energy and mining. She shares insights from her book on corporate social responsibility, addressing how stereotypes about engineers can obscure their moral complexities. The conversation also tackles the challenges of integrating carbon capture technologies and the importance of community engagement. Smith emphasizes the need for engineers to embrace ethical considerations while navigating the realities of extractive industries.
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Smith's Coal Mining Roots
- Jessica Smith grew up in Gillette, Wyoming, a major coal-producing town.
- She worked as a haul truck driver in coal mines during college summers.
Ethics of Material Provisioning
- Engineers often see their work as an ethic of material provisioning.
- They believe their industries provide essential materials for everyday life, shaping their ethical view.
Social License to Operate
- The social license to operate emphasizes the necessity of social acceptance for industry operations.
- It evolved as companies realized permits and political ties were insufficient for mining projects' success.