"The Last Mountain" - film screening and panel discussion February 7, 2011

Recognizing America’s struggle to balance its energy needs and environmental concerns, the Cooper Union Institute for Sustainable Design brings “The Last Mountain,” a screening and panel discussion, to the center of discussion by noted industry experts. Written, directed and produced by Bill Haney, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, “The Last Mountain” depicts a passionate and personal tale that highlights the extraordinary power of ordinary Americans when they fight for what they believe in. In the valleys of Appalachia, a battle is being fought over a mountain, where the mining giants are pitted against local families who are fighting to preserve their mountain, their heritage and their futures. The documentary, which was featured at the Sundance Festival 2011, showcases America's struggle to balance its energy needs and environmental concerns. A discussion will follow the partial screening and will feature prominent speakers:

Panelists include:

Bill Haney: Award-winning filmmaker and writer, director and producer of “The Last Mountain”

Allen Hershkowitz, Ph.D.: Senior Scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council

J. Henry Fair: Photographer, principal artist “Landscapes of Extraction,” and author of “The Day After Tomorrow: Images of Our Earth in Crisis”

Moderator Liz Judge: Attorney and writer for Earthjustice, a non-profit public interest law firm dedicated to protecting natural resources and defending the right of all people to a healthy environment.

In conjunction with “The Last Mountain,” “Landscapes of Extraction,” an exhibition featuring the powerful images of J Henry Fair, is currently on view at the Cooper Union (closing 2/26). The exhibition examines the collateral damage of the fossil fuels industries and, to enable viewers to personally connect how their energy use impacts the planet, interactive media stations were created for the show to highlight how an individual’s energy use impacts the planet.