Coal, the rock that built America, also is the No. 1 source of the greenhouse-gas emissions blamed by most climate scientists for worldwide climate change.

Dirty Business, a film by the Center for Investigative Journalism, explores the history of coal and the role the rock has played in producing electricity and leveling part of the Appalachian Mountains. The film's primary goal is to lay bare the reality of "clean coal," and whether there is such a thing. Directed by Peter Bull and co-produced by Justin Weinstein, the film is narrated by Rolling Stones contributing editor Jeff Goodell, author of Big Coal.

"Clean coal is like healthy cigarettes," Goodell says in the film.

Dirty Business is one of four environmental films that will be shown as part of the Get Reel festival sponsored by the Santa Fe-based nonprofit New Energy Economy. Each film will be followed by a discussion about alternative energy and ways to move the United States on to renewable energy.

The other films include The Last Mountain, a documentary about the struggle by citizens in West Virginia's Coal River Valley to save a mountaintop from destruction by coal companies.

If A Tree Falls follows the rise and fall of an Earth Liberation Front cell by focusing on one of its most controversial members as he faces life in prison for his environmental activities.

Finally, Emmy-winning Split Estate explores the outcome when oil companies own the minerals underneath homes and private surface property.

The film festival is occurring at the same time the state Legislature is meeting for a 30-day regular session. The festival will show one film a week, each Thursday through Feb. 9.

New Energy Economy is promoting renewable-energy and energy-efficiency projects in Santa Fe. The organization also advocated for a cap on greenhouse-gas emissions before the state Environmental Improvement Board. The greenhouse-gas cap rule was approved last year, but the rule is now under review by a new board appointed by Gov. Susana Martinez.

Contact Staci Matlock at 986-3055 or smatlock@sfnewmexican.com.

IF YOU GO

What: Get Reel film festival

When: 7 p.m. each Thursday: The Last Mountain, Jan. 19; If A Tree Falls, Jan. 26; Dirty Business, Feb. 2; Split Estate, Feb. 9

Where: All films screened at the Center for Contemporary Arts, 1050 Old Pecos Trail.