In this gripping legal drama set in Appalachian coal country, a determined lawyer faces off against a coal industry giant to secure clean drinking water for a West Virginia community. For two decades, the water in Mingo County raised concerns due to its strange appearance and taste, leading to health issues like kidney stones and cancer. Environmental lawyer Kevin Thompson believed the water was linked to these problems and fought a seven-year legal battle against Massey Energy, led by CEO Don Blankenship. While Massey's lawyers operated from a sleek office tower, Thompson worked from a modest hotel in the declining coal town of Williamson. Alongside fellow attorneys and young activists, he uncovered the dangerous shortcuts that jeopardized the community's water supply. Local residents, including a respected preacher, retired coal miners, and families with deep roots in the area, placed their trust in Thompson when they had nowhere else to turn. As he investigated the water crisis, he navigated the dark realities of Mingo County, risking his finances, marriage, career, and safety. This narrative brings to life a diverse cast of characters and highlights the legacy of coal mining in a misunderstood part of America, showcasing one lawyer's relentless quest for truth and justice amidst hardship and denial.
Kris Maher Knihy
