STATE OF DEREGULATION

In West Virginia it takes conviction, courage and a tough skin to challenge industry and the political system. In this film, you'll meet people who are speaking out and willing to risk everything to save their state.

BACKSTORY

West Virginia offers one of the most bio-diverse regions of the United States. However, corporate influence has made the mountain state one of the most de-regulated states in the country, allowing polluting industries to exploit the resource rich land, destroying mountains, forests and rivers. Many of these industries benefit out-of-state entities; the profits rarely trickle down to those who call West Virginia their home.

In the last forty years alone, over 500 mountains and 1.2 million acres have been destroyed, and the streams and rivers are tainted with carcinogenic chemicals. At first, it was just the state that looked the other way with polluters, while industry invested in campaigns demonizing the EPA. But now, horrifyingly, West Virginia’s approach has become a model for the Trump Administration.

The EPA, which once held the line against the worst environmental offenses, has been gutted and regulations once again stripped away. Now, with the shield of a Federal government vested in serving non-renewable industries, toxins are freely dumped. In West Virginia it takes conviction, courage and a tough skin to challenge the system. Those who stand up and speak out are willing to risk everything - including their lives - to save their state.

FEATURING

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