Coal Country

"Which side are you on?", a powerful anthem for labor organizing in the coal fields in the 1930s poses an equally compelling question today in the fight to end mountaintop removal coal mining. 

The haunting beauty of Natalie Merchant's rendition of Which Side Are You On? evokes tears and anger in a new documentary film, Coal Country, on this devastating mining practice.

Coal Country is the latest collaborative effort of Mari-Lynn Evans (director) and Phyllis Geller (producer) who teamed up to make the PBS series, The Appalachians.  Sierra Club Productions provided support in the making of this film.

Coal Country takes us inside modern coal mining. We get to know working miners along with activists who are battling coal companies in Appalachia. We visit the homes of people most directly affected by mountaintop removal mining (MTR), including Kathy Selvage of Wise County, Virginia, and we hear about health problems, dirty water in their wells and streams, and dust and grime on their floors.

We hear from miners and coal company officials who are concerned about jobs and the economy and believe they are acting responsibly in bringing electric power to the American people.

Virginia Chapter Sierra Club with the Wise Energy Coalition is committed to ending mountaintop removal coal mining. In September and October we are promoting showings of Coal Country in venues across Virginia. Proceeds from these showings will benefit Sierra Club’s and Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards’ efforts to end mountaintop removal coal mining.

Plan to attend Coal Country at a venue near you and join our campaign to end mountaintop removal coal mining.