The Omaha Public Power District has the largest customer base in Nebraska, a state that is 100% public power. The utility management has repeatedly promised to retire an aging coal plant located in a low-income community of color–a community that has had more than its share of environmental problems. As the utility prepares to convert the plant to natural gas, the State of Nebraska intervenes with a lawsuit. In addition, there are rumors that a tech giant wants to build a massive data center somewhere in Nebraska. Will the utility buckle under political pressure or keep its promise to the people?
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Review by Julie C. Sheppard;
The documentary Broken Promises reveals a shocking display of political and economic failure against the people of North Omaha, Nebraska. The film provides a well-outlined discussion of the history of how Nebraska has uniquely powered their state over the years, by visually and orally describing a thoughtful initiative called public power by progressive US Senator George W. Norris.
In turn, through impassioned interviews, we are shown the disappointment of many articulate local activists, professionals and academics when a non-biased, thorough health study is disregarded which clearly shows the health risks of citizens living near coal plants, while a problematic study is used by big business to claim the safely of continued use of coal, and to grant an extension beyond an initially-promised timeframe of cessation.
These interviews about the lack of respect by big business and government are aptly underscored with haunting piano and string orchestral music. Given the information text at the end of the film, the powerful corporate forces are not being honest with the people of the area whose health and safety are obviously at stake. It is clear that things need to go back to the original ideals of public power by Norris, who wanted the people of Nebraska to be able to defend themselves against the bullying, duplicitous stealth of big business.
