` ` Battle for Blair Mountain : Coal in America '' examines the issue of mountaintop removal , which literally blows the top off of mountains to reach the rich coal seams buried inside . Before-viewing Discussion Questions : Use these questions to promote discussion before viewing the program . West Virginia coal miners say mountaintop removal projects provide much - needed jobs . Their opponents say the cost of those jobs -- to the environment , the people and the future -- is just too high . Use this educator 's and parent 's guide to examine all sides of this issue . The guide includes before - reading and after - viewing questions and a learning guide .
` ` Battle for Blair Mountain : Coal in America '' examines the issue of mountaintop removal , which literally blows the top off of mountains to reach the rich coal seams buried inside . West Virginia coal miners say mountaintop removal projects provide much - needed jobs . Their opponents say the cost of those jobs -- to the environment , the people and the future -- is just too high . Use this educator 's and parent 's guide to examine all sides of this issue . The guide includes before - reading and after - viewing questions and a learning guide .