Iowans are often misled by marketing suggesting their energy is clean. In reality, MidAmerican Energy operates five of the country's dirtiest coal plants across the

Iowans are often misled by marketing suggesting their energy is clean. In reality, MidAmerican Energy operates five of the country's dirtiest coal plants across the state.

This short film uncovers the true cost of coal. It features first-hand accounts from families living near these plants, doctors observing health impacts, and advocates fighting for a better future.

The EarthSayers podcast recently featured filmmaker Trevor Tejeda-Gervais to discuss his documentary, "The True Cost of Burning Coal: Iowa’s Dirty Secret."

The episode reveals Iowa's

The EarthSayers podcast recently featured filmmaker Trevor Tejeda-Gervais to discuss his documentary, "The True Cost of Burning Coal: Iowa’s Dirty Secret."

The episode reveals Iowa's continued heavy reliance on coal, despite its wind-energy leadership, and the resulting dangers to communities and the environment. This podcast, a Sustainability Action Media project for EarthSayers, was produced by Bob Trench and interviewed by Paul Steinbroner. (September 2025)

Acclaimed author and queer activist Taylor Brorby confronts the escalating authoritarian backlash against LGBTQ rights, questioning why this battle persists. As a writer also addressing the fossil

Acclaimed author and queer activist Taylor Brorby confronts the escalating authoritarian backlash against LGBTQ rights, questioning why this battle persists. As a writer also addressing the fossil fuel industry's role in climate chaos, Brorby faces a dilemma: the existential crises impacting nature and LGBTQ people.

He argues these struggles are interconnected. Brorby seeks to reconcile nature, culture, diversity, and belonging, emphasizing that all these elements are part of a unified fight.

Despite China's pledge to cap and reduce carbon emissions, coal production continues to grow. This creates difficult choices for those who work in and live near the mines.

Published by the

Despite China's pledge to cap and reduce carbon emissions, coal production continues to grow. This creates difficult choices for those who work in and live near the mines.

Published by the New York Times on November 4, 2015, this content is available on their YouTube Channel.

Energy companies like Ambre Energy and Arch Coal Inc. propose transforming Southwest Washington and Pacific Northwest ports into major shipping hubs. These 14 plans would establish a vast transfer

Energy companies like Ambre Energy and Arch Coal Inc. propose transforming Southwest Washington and Pacific Northwest ports into major shipping hubs. These 14 plans would establish a vast transfer station for coal and oil extracted from America's heartland, destined for domestic and overseas markets, primarily in Asia, to meet growing energy demands.

This initiative is part of a global realignment of valuable oil and coal resources. The documentary "Momenta" explores the impact of these proposals and the citizen groups opposing them.

Scott Anderson, Senior Policy Advisor at the Environmental Defense Fund, is discussing Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS).

His insights cover this crucial technology's role in

Scott Anderson, Senior Policy Advisor at the Environmental Defense Fund, is discussing Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS).

His insights cover this crucial technology's role in environmental policy.

The Last Mountain, released June 2011, explores a critical energy battle in America's Appalachian heartland. A mining giant aims to explode a mountain for coal, while the community seeks to

The Last Mountain, released June 2011, explores a critical energy battle in America's Appalachian heartland. A mining giant aims to explode a mountain for coal, while the community seeks to preserve it and build a wind farm. This film highlights a conflict affecting our collective energy future.

Find release dates and cities for *The Last Mountain*.

For more films, lectures, and speeches on high-risk energy alternatives, explore EarthSayers.tv's Special Collection.