Iowans are often misled by marketing suggesting their energy is clean. In reality, MidAmerican Energy operates five of the country's dirtiest coal plants across the

Iowans are often misled by marketing suggesting their energy is clean. In reality, MidAmerican Energy operates five of the country's dirtiest coal plants across the state.

This short film uncovers the true cost of coal. It features first-hand accounts from families living near these plants, doctors observing health impacts, and advocates fighting for a better future.

The EarthSayers podcast recently featured filmmaker Trevor Tejeda-Gervais to discuss his documentary, "The True Cost of Burning Coal: Iowa’s Dirty Secret."

The episode reveals Iowa's

The EarthSayers podcast recently featured filmmaker Trevor Tejeda-Gervais to discuss his documentary, "The True Cost of Burning Coal: Iowa’s Dirty Secret."

The episode reveals Iowa's continued heavy reliance on coal, despite its wind-energy leadership, and the resulting dangers to communities and the environment. This podcast, a Sustainability Action Media project for EarthSayers, was produced by Bob Trench and interviewed by Paul Steinbroner. (September 2025)

Acclaimed author and queer activist Taylor Brorby confronts the escalating authoritarian backlash against LGBTQ rights, questioning why this battle persists. As a writer also addressing the fossil

Acclaimed author and queer activist Taylor Brorby confronts the escalating authoritarian backlash against LGBTQ rights, questioning why this battle persists. As a writer also addressing the fossil fuel industry's role in climate chaos, Brorby faces a dilemma: the existential crises impacting nature and LGBTQ people.

He argues these struggles are interconnected. Brorby seeks to reconcile nature, culture, diversity, and belonging, emphasizing that all these elements are part of a unified fight.