The film is about big coal and how the greed of the coal mining industry is endangering both human health and the environment in West Virginia and beyond. The documentary shows the fight to save the last mountain in the Coal River Valley, and shows how mountain top removal has devastated the surrounding area.
Brain tumor clusters are found near the mined areas, with 6 brain tumors in one mobile home park. A local elementary school backs up to a surface impoundment, which holds tons of concentrated mining wastes that are poisoning the students and teachers alike. Air quality is terrible and the water is polluted beyond belief. The removal of vegetation of the top of the mountains has caused sever flooding in the valleys below.
And why? For greed. The coal industry claims that they are providing jobs and giving us energy. Yet, in recent years, they have cut over 40,000 jobs and instead have added machines to do the work of people. And yes, coal is providing 50% of electricity in the US.... because they are supporting politicians who will make it stay that way!!! Renewable energy is available! Solar and wind is real, but if big coal keeps paying off the government, that change is never going to happen.
The citizens of Coal River Valley are trying to save their last mountain and instead of mining it, turn it into a wind farm.. if they can stop the progression of mountain top removal.
Interested? Watch the film and then take action! Pin It Now!
Wow. Sounds like something we have to check out. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteJosh and I are both active with the Sierra Club and Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, among other groups. Living in Kentucky, this is an issue that is close to home for us. "Lost Mountain" by Erik Reece is a great book about mountaintop removal, if you're ever looking. We'll probably be bringing the kids to "I Love Mountains Day" next year.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you writing about this! It's good to know that people on the other coast are still concerned.