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"Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars" Film and Discussion March 25 at WIU-Macomb and WIU-QC

March 18, 2009

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MACOMB, IL - - The battle for clean air in eastern and central Texas in late 2006 is documented in the short film "Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars," which will be presented at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 in Tillman Hall 301 at Western Illinois University in Macomb. The film and discussion will be connected to participants in WIU-QC Room 115 via IP-based video conferencing. Both sites are open free to the public.

Narrated by Robert Redford and co-produced by The Redford Center at the Sundance Preserve and Alpheus Media, the 34-minute documentary introduces unlikely partners - - mayors, ranchers, CEOs, community groups, legislators, lawyers and citizens - - that came together to oppose the construction of 19 conventional coal-fired power plants destined for their part of the state.

The film screening will be followed by panel presentations and open discussion. The evening will conclude with a reception.

According to the website fightinggoliathfilm.com, the film frames the global energy challenge - - facing every citizen, business leader and policymaker today - - of powering communities in a way that supports the local economy and protects public health; while at the same time making a statement about what can be done to protect public health and fight global warming when community members, business leaders and policymakers come together.

The film and discussions, which are part of the University's First Year Experience activities, complement the 2008-09 University Theme, Health and Wellness - - Challenges and Responsibilities.

Sponsors include the College of Arts and Sciences biological science and political science departments and the Institute for Environmental Studies.

For more information, contact Robin Bauerly at (309) 298-1632 or RR-Bauerly@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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