Independent Lens Season 12 Episode 6 Deep Down

Deep Down is an episode from season 12 of the documentary series Independent Lens. This episode follows the story of a small Kentucky mining community and their struggle to balance economic prosperity with environmental responsibility.

The episode begins by introducing the community of Linefork, Kentucky and their long-standing history of coal mining. The residents of this small town proudly proclaim their love for the coal industry, which has sustained their families for generations. However, this love for coal is put to the test when a mining company proposes a new mountaintop removal project in the heart of the town.

Viewers are introduced to Beverly May, a local activist who is leading the fight against the proposed mountaintop removal project. May is a formidable character, who is not afraid to speak her mind and fight for what she believes in. As the leader of the group Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, May is working tirelessly to educate her community about the dangers of mountaintop removal and the long-term economic and environmental impact it will have on their town.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey through the complex and often heated debates surrounding the mountaintop removal project. The mining company argues that the proposed project will create jobs and bring much-needed economic growth to the community. However, May and her supporters argue that the economic benefits are short-term and that the long-term environmental damage is too great a risk to take.

What sets this episode apart from other documentaries on environmental activism is the way it focuses on the human side of the debate. Through interviews with residents of Linefork, viewers are given a glimpse into the deeply personal nature of the issue. Many of the residents have family members who work in the coal industry and are torn between supporting their loved ones and supporting the fight against mountaintop removal.

The episode also explores the political influence on the issue. The coal industry is a political heavyweight in Kentucky and many politicians are in its pocket. This makes it even more difficult for May and her supporters to get their voices heard and their concerns addressed.

Despite the challenges, May and her supporters keep fighting. They organize rallies, appear at public hearings, and even engage in civil disobedience. The episode reaches its climax as May and her fellow activists stage a sit-in at the governor's office, demanding that he take action to stop the mountaintop removal project.

Deep Down is a thought-provoking and emotional episode that shines a spotlight on a community's struggle to balance economic prosperity with environmental responsibility. It is a story of hope, activism, and the power of a small group of people to effect change. It leaves viewers with a message of the importance of speaking out and taking action to protect our planet for future generations.