Confronted by a US energy policy that favors coal without sufficient regard for the negative impact its extraction causes, local activists organize to arouse the nation and help protect their health, their communities and their way of life. Maria Gunnoe, the primary spokesperson of the film, won the Goldman Environmental Prize for her fights against environmentally devastating mountaintop removal mining and valley fill operations. Her advocacy has led to the closure of mines in the region and stricter regulations of the industry. Post-Production, DVD Authoring and Web development at the Ranch helped launch the film. Distribution through the Video Project and Specialty Studios have made Burning the Future one of the most important films contributing to our movement away from fossil fuels. DVD SPECIAL FEATURES Short films on: Coal and Energy--Overview of the role coal plays in the US economy and a snapshot of the coal and utilities industry's influence on public policy. Coal and Climate Change--Documents how coal is the number one contributor of greenhouse gases. Pollution and Public Health--Illustrates how coal-fired power contributes to toxic water, air pollution and mercury poisoning. Democracy and Action--Documents how grassroots social movements are the primary force for change in America. | 
