#USA #Des Moines #MidAmerican Energy #Iowa's Dirty Secret #Clean Up MidAm Coalition

Iowa's Dirty Secret Documentary Now Available for Streaming

The award-winning documentary titled Iowa's Dirty Secret: The True Cost of Burning Coal has officially launched online, making it accessible for viewers everywhere. Released by the Clean Up MidAm Coalition, this documentary sheds light on the harmful effects of burning coal and serves as a powerful narrative of the struggles faced by Iowans living near coal plants.

Premiering at the Varsity Cinema in Des Moines earlier this year, the film quickly gained recognition, winning the Audience Choice Award at the Sioux City International Film Festival and securing three bronze Telly Awards. Among the other noteworthy films that received recognition included projects from prestigious organizations such as the Smithsonian and the BBC. The overwhelming response has taken many by surprise, as Trevor Tejeda-Gervais, the director, shares, "The response to Iowa's Dirty Secret has been beyond anything we imagined. Our goal was simply to expose the harm caused by MidAmerican Energy's coal plants, but the outpouring of support — from sold-out theaters to award recognition — has been incredible."

The documentary features compelling first-hand accounts from families residing near the coal facilities, doctors documenting health impacts, and advocates striving for cleaner alternatives. These narratives paint a heartbreaking picture of the consequences of coal pollution, providing viewers with a clearer understanding of the real costs associated with burning coal. The film highlights how communities have come together, rallying to hold entities like MidAmerican Energy accountable for their contributions to environmental damage and health issues. Emma Colman from the Sierra Club, featured in the documentary, comments on its significance: "The release of Iowa's Dirty Secret has been a turning point in our work to hold MidAmerican Energy accountable for polluting our air and water with its expensive coal plants. Iowans are taking action — hosting screenings, talking with neighbors, and getting involved with the Clean Up MidAm Coalition to demand a cleaner, healthier future for Iowa."

MidAmerican Energy is known to operate five coal plants in Iowa, which have been labeled the dirtiest in the nation, according to a Reuters analysis. This documentary aims not only to inform the public about the negative impact of these plants but also to inspire collective action and change. The screening sessions across the state and online are facilitating conversations on the urgent need for cleaner energy solutions in Iowa.

For anyone interested in the narrative of this critical issue, the documentary can be streamed at iowasdirtysecret.com. The website provides additional resources, behind-the-scenes insights, and extensive information about the coal plants' impacts and the organizations combating this detrimental situation.

The Clean Up MidAm Coalition encompasses various organizations, including the Iowa Environmental Council, the Environmental Law Policy Center, the Sierra Club, and many others working toward a sustainable and healthy Iowa. Their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in driving awareness and mobilizing community action.

As the push for cleaner energy continues, Iowa's Dirty Secret stands as a crucial highlight, bringing the realities of coal's true cost to the forefront of public conversation. The experiences shared in the film echo the voices of countless Iowans committed to seeking healthier alternatives for their families and communities, amplifying their call for change.