Bidder 70

Directors Beth and George Gage in person at all three showings!

Bidder 70 tells the story of Tim DeChristopher and his stunning act of civil disobedience in a time of global climate chaos. On Dec. 19, 2008, DeChristopher, as Bidder #70, derailed the Bush Administration’s last minute, widely disputed federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Oil and Gas lease auction, effectively safeguarding thousands of acres of Utah land. Bidding $1.7 million, Tim won 22,000 acres of land with no intention to pay or drill. For his disruption of the illegitimate auction, DeChristopher was indicted on two federal charges. DeChristopher's profoundly effective act of civil disobedience has drawn national attention to America’s energy policy and criticism to the BLM’s management of public lands. Refusing to compromise his principles and rejecting numerous plea offers by the prosecution, DeChristopher is willing to sacrifice his own future to bring this vitally important issue to our national attention. Bidder 70 is DeChristopher's story: his actions, his trial and his possible prison sentence. It is also the story of the scientists, activists, writers and movements that influence and support him in this important and incredible act.

Recognizing that environmental conditions are inextricably linked to the realization of essential human rights—including the rights to life and health—Human Rights Watch documents and exposes the human implications of environmental degradation. Though at an early stage in this work, Human Rights Watch has succeeded in bringing environment-related human rights violations to light, and has pressed decision-makers to amend abusive policies and practices. Human Rights Watch also monitors and documents repressive measures that governments take to address the social and economic consequences of environmental abuse, including brutal tactics they employ in resource-rich countries to quash local community protests against companies accused of environmental degradation.