Apparently there is none as the large number of abandoned mines around the world attest. Some governments are now requiring that a fund be set up to "restore" the landscape after mining ceases. Sometimes they do manage to cover the slag heaps with some topsoil, but you still can't put the coal back in the ground.
The Bushies have just reintroduced a proposal that will allow miners to continue to take the tops of mountains off into the Appalachia and push the material in the streams and valleys below. Over 1200 miles of streams have already been buried this way. The new proposal will make it impossible for localities to sue to prevent the environmental damage. Policies not Politics ---- Daily Landscape
Oh, and even in the case of the second story family B could go to work for the cattle farmer. Can the last politician to go out the revolving door please turn the lights off?
To smooth your first scenario -- As they receive money, they can (or should) invest in productive assets.
None of this, of course, reaches the question of inter-generational equity and non-renewable resources. Words and ideas I offer here may be used freely and without attribution.
