In the digital age, half our electricity still comes from coal. Dirty Business reveals the true social and environmental costs of coal power and tells the stories of innovators who are pointing the way to an alternative energy future. Guided by Rolling Stone reporter Jeff Goodell, the film examines what it means to remain dependent on a 19th century technology that is the largest single source of greenhouse gases. Can coal really be made clean? Can renewables and efficiency be produced on a scale large enough to replace coal? The film seeks answers in a series of stories shot in China, Saskatchewan, Kansas, West Virginia, Nevada and New York.
This special screening, being organized in collaboration with GPACE and Local Burger, coincides with a major decision the Kansas Department of Health & Environment will be making in the coming weeks. The KDHE is currently requesting public comment on the proposed 895 megawatt expansion of the Holcomb Station coal-fired power plant. Whether the permit for this expansion project is approved or denied may set the course of our energy policy for the next decade. Will Kansas become a leader in renewable wind energy development, attracting waves of green jobs, fighting climate change, and ensuring that Kansas remains competitive in the coming green economy? Or will Kansas' economy and environment suffer as we continue to fall behind the competitive advances of more sustainable and forward-thinking states?
A Q&A with GPACE will follow the film and include ideas on how the audience can submit their comments to KDHE before the commenting period is closed on August 15th. The KDHE commenting process is likely to be the public’s last opportunity to have their voices heard regarding the proposed coal plant and perhaps the best opportunity to influence the state’s – and the nation’s – energy policy for the better.
So far, the vast majority of the roughly 200 comments submitted to the KDHE have been *in favor* of building the coal plant. Most of these comments came from out of state, on pre-printed post cards funded by special interest money.
Given that organized money is going to do everything they can to tip KDHE's decision in their favor, our response is clear.
We need to send a resounding message: we want Kansas to support an energy policy that takes climate change seriously and that favors clean, renewable energy over dirty fossil fuels.
It is the clear, inevitable path to creating a ecologically sustainable, economically vibrant, and secure energy future.
So...
Write the KDHE today: http://www.gpace.org/publiccomment/
Encourage everyone you know to leave a comment.
Invite all of your local friends to this event.
Invite all your local friends to our FFA Group on Facebook to stay connected and updated on future events and developments: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=40929745080
Attend the screening on the 9th and bring your friends.
Start talking about the issue in conversation, forward links, write emails, everything you can think of to spread the word.
We know that the mainstream media cannot be depended on to inform the public on important issues like these. We can't depend on the media to represent the full diversity of perspectives on this issue, or to give substantial, meaningful coverage of the facts. Nor can we wait any longer for the media to reform. We need to become the media ourselves.
Become a media activist: share information with your friends that speaks truth, inspires action, and cuts through the noise:
150 Online Documentaries: https://www.filmsforaction.org/films/default.aspx?Category=1&CategoryName=Documentary
Climate Change: https://www.filmsforaction.org/films/default.aspx?Subject=19&SubjectName=climate_change
Big Media: https://www.filmsforaction.org/films/default.aspx?Subject=36&SubjectName=big_media
Use community film screening events like this one as a tool to get informed and to inform others. Spread the circle outwards and keep building the momentum till we hit the tipping point.
Inspire. Engage. Educate. Empower. Take Action!
https://www.filmsforaction.org/
