Running for the Mountains

The filmmakers’ quest for a story about environmental activism and politics leads to West Virginia, ground zero for climate change where centuries old dirty politics and personal ambition lead to a single figure who is now poised to run for President.
With the inauguration of President Joe Biden, the mandate for a Green Agenda is renewed. However, one man has stood in the way: Senator Joe Manchin. Sitting in the catbird seat, with a completely divided US Senate, Manchin stalled the implementation of the Biden administration's agenda and positions himself as a centrist while citing “national security” and “fiscal responsibility” as his main concerns. Here, “Running for the Mountains” connects the dots to clarify exactly what stake Joe Manchin, a coal broker himself, has in the game by showing the political history and ongoing shenanigans of this archetypal politician.
“Running for the Mountains” leads to a path for possible solutions, with increased help from the outside. This film’s riveting and personal documentary inspires viewers to value West Virginia and her people, and to understand that extracting the state from dirty politics is one of our nation’s most important battles.