Dirty Business: The Selling of Clean Coal

About the Project

Politicians and corporate interests have mounted a formidable public relations campaign promoting 'clean coal' as crucial to solving our energy/climate problem. Despite major concerns on the part of scientists and environmental groups, there has been little public education about 'clean coal.'

Dirty Business is an 80-minute documentary -- produced and directed by Peter Bull with consulting producer Alex Gibney -- that explains and demystifies this idea that the coal lobby has spent $40 million to promote. The film also explores the extent to which increased energy efficiency and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar thermal power might make 'clean coal' unnecessary and uneconomical. "Dirty Business" will be the first major public media project about this urgent topic.

The film is propelled by compelling human stories that illuminate the larger issues. Characters range from visionary engineers seeking to solve the coal problem, to scientists grappling with the impact of new technologies, to activists seeking to educate corporate shareholders. Dirty Business urges a careful reconsideration of the true cost of a coal-based energy system and promises to inform audiences about the options for our energy future.

The Fledgling Fund Impact

The Fledgling Fund is pleased to support Dirty Business: The Selling of Clean Coal because we believe is offers evidence and facts in a sea of confusing media about the coal industry. It is time to make real decisions about our energy future and to set aside special interests to focus on the health and safety of our country.