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Watch, read, or listen to Coal Country, and learn about the destruction to the environment and human health that comes with coal mining. It's happening on a large scale, and for the good of the country, needs to be stopped. But there's also the personal side of the issue: the people who live in Appalachia, whose lives and communities are being destroyed by this dirty practice. This is a personal note from the women who created the film, on how complicated the issue is and on their desire to show both sides of the story:
The first time we saw mountaintop removal mining, we were filming our history series, The Appalachians, for public television. We were stunned by the views of devastation across the majestic mountains of Appalachia. Like most Americans, we had not realized what was being done to provide us with cheap energy from coal.
While producing Coal Country, we have worked hard to present all sides of this issue. We have met many courageous, inspiring people in the coal fields, people with little or no education who have created a successful grassroots movement to save their land and their culture. Regardless of one's position on MTR, these people are to be respected for their commitment to their cause.
The supporters of coal and of mountaintop removal mining continually refused to be interviewed. Finally, one coal employee named Randy took us to see reclaimed sites and to meet some of his fellow miners. Randy is a well-meaning man caught in a difficult position. He cares about the environment and he cares about the jobs provided by coal. Randy is also quick to point out that his company stays within the law and that he is proud of what he does for a living.
Coal Country aims to let the Appalachian people have their voice. We have tried to inform you of the controversy around coal so all of you can participate in the debate over America's energy future.
Phylis Geller and Mari-Lynn Evans
This is a personal note from the producer and director of Coal Country. Read more great essays on coal in The Coal Country Book.
Related Posts:
Find Out Your Connection to Mountaintop Removal
This Land is Coal's Land: Mountaintop Removal Displaces, Destroys and Scars (Slideshow)
Ten Dirty Things About Big King Coal
Ashley Judd on The Last Patch of Green Earth
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