It’s up to the citizens to save Appalachia, and in its valley, a battle is being fought over a mountain. It’s a battle with severe consequences that affect every American, regardless of their social status, political affiliation, economic background, or location. This battle has taken many lives, and continues to do so, the longer it is waged. It is a battle over protecting our health and environment from the destructive power of Big Coal, and you are connected. Yes, you.
The Last Mountain is the story of the power of ordinary citizens to remake the future when they have the determination and courage to do so. Real people, like you.
If you don’t have access to the film, or just can’t wait, here’s what you can do right now to help shape the future of energy in America:
Learn more.
What is mountaintop removal mining?
How does it affect the environment? The economy?
Jimmy Weekley, 71, is the sole, remaining resident (aside from the coal company) of Pidgeonhollow, West Virginia and he refuses to sell his home to the coal company. See how it affects the residents and former coal miners. Listen to Jimmy’s story via NPR:
See for yourself what your connection is.
Visit I Love Mountains and type in your zipcode to see exactly how you are connected to the destruction of 500 mountains. It’s real. See where your energy provider gets its coal, and read about the tons of people and the towns that are affected every day you flip a switch. Then keep reading and do something about it.
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Spread the word.
Inspired by the film and its outreach campaign, a growing number of nonprofit and grassroots organizations have joined forces to launch an innovative campaign to promote the film and raise awareness to end mountaintop removal, promote economically viable and sustainable energy solutions, and direct folks to find meaningful ways of staying engaged in the debate.
Join the effort at The Last Mountain Action Center.
Support the cause.
If you don’t have access to the film, or you want to help right away, there is a lot you can do right now to fight against mountaintop removal mining and promote sustainable economies.
1.
You can help the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition oppose new mountaintop removal permits and fight strip mines that are already in operation.
Donate
2.
Get involved with Coal River Mountain Watch to stop strip mining on Coal River Mountain and promote a sustainable wind project instead.
Donate
3.
Support Climate Ground Zero’s practice of civil disobedience in an effort to stop mountaintop removal mining in Appalachia.
These guys sleep in trees in the freezing cold and go to jail quite a bit in an effort to save the mountains.
Donate
4.
The Appalachian Center for the Economy & the Environment are using the courts, and the best science available, to force coal utilities, coal mining companies, and government agencies to follow the law.
Donate
5.
Help the Natural Resources Defense Council and a coalition of environmental groups as they pressure banks to stop financing mountaintop removal mining projects. Already, six banks are moving in the right direction!
Donate
6.
More local, state, and regional organizations across Appalachia that are working together to end mountaintop removal.
Lobby for Change.
Tell president Obama to stop allowing the mountaintop removal mining that is destroying Appalachia.
Ask Congress to support the Clean Water Protection Act, a bill that would ban mountaintop removal mining.
Reduce your energy use, and if you can, use renewable energy.
McKinsey & Co., a top U.S. business consultant says the U.S. can cut electricity use by almost a quarter, and it will pay for itself! Start at home by changing your light bulbs to compact fluorescents, which can cut your bills and electricity use by 75%. For more simple ways to reduce your energy use click here. The less electricity we use, the less we’ll need dirty coal.
The film is also full of vital statistics. Did you know that burning coal is the number one source of greenhouse gases worldwide? According to a Harvard Medical School report, the cost of coal electricity goes up by approximately 17¢ per kilowatt hour, totaling 23.1¢—or nearly three times that of wind—if you include the following costs borne by the public: Air Pollution Illnesses, Mercury Poisoning, Health Damages from Carcinogens, Public Health Cost to Appalachia, and Climate Change Impact. And, of course, the wind industry operates more than 35,000 turbines and employs 85,000 people in the U.S.—the same number the coal industry employs.
The Last Mountain is a must-see, must-share film. Speak out on Twitter, follow the cause on Facebook, and learn much more on Youtube.
