Seder's mountaintop removal segment

On his last live broadcast, Air America's Sam Seder had a few guests of note to our region.

In addition to regular panelist, W.Va. resident and Firedoglake blogger Christy Hardin Smith, he interviewed filmmaker David Novick, whose documentary "Burning the Future" has been airing on Sundance this month (It comes out on DVD in June).

In Burning the Future: Coal in America, writer/director David Novack examines the explosive forces that have set in motion a groundswell of conflict between the coal industry and residents of West Virginia. Confronted by an emerging coal-based US energy policy, local activists watch the nation praise coal without regard to the devastation caused by its extraction. Faced with toxic ground water, the obliteration of 1.4 million acres of mountains, and a government that appeases industry, our heroes demonstrate a strength of purpose and character in their improbable fight to arouse the nation's help in protecting their mountains, saving their families, and preserving their way of life.

Audio of the interview is below.

Photo courtesy of West Virginia Highlands Conservancy
Mining at Kayford Mountain in Raleigh County, W.Va., draws some of the harshest criticism from mountaintop removal opponents.