The Center investigates and promotes practices that strike a balance between the need to develop these energy resources while at the same time minimizing the negative environmental impacts and preserving the natural resource base and environmental quality for future generations. In its approach to sustainable practices in the development of energy resources, the Center defines “sustainability” in its broadest sense, and considers mining health and safety; labor practices affecting energy industry workers; property rights issues associated with extraction of mineral resources; the impacts of energy production on water supplies and water quality; the national security aspects of developing domestic energy supplies; and international trade issues involving energy resources.