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Examines the influence of factory work to the changing concept about nature based on the literary works of factory employees. Critical transition from agricultural to industrial labor; Development of working class environmental consciousness; Historical relationship between the nature of work and the workers' concept about nature.

The position of the United Mine Workers of America during 1945-75 on coal strip mining in Appalachia validated traditional environmental historians' views that organized labor perceived environmental protection to be in competition with job security and thus sought to impede environmental regulation. In the 1960's, the union favored state regulation of coal surface mining but shifted their support to federal regulation in the early 1970's, reverting to a preference for state regulation by mid-decade. Initial support for regulation reflected concern for conservation of resources and working conditions, but the paramount interest in saving jobs led the union ultimately to promote limited regulation to stave off stricter requirements.