Listen Now

Hi everyone, it’s your host Jenn Galler and I’m back with another season of the In Our Backyard Podcast and it’s all about Nuclear Energy. We’ve heard pros and cons of what nuclear power can entail, and in this season I’ll be breaking down what the real costs of nuclear power are. From the mining of uranium, transportation of the fuel, the use of it, where the waste will go, and whether it’s a long term energy solution. I’ll also be breaking down nuclear jargon along the way, discuss if it’s an essential energy source, and the safety of it. I’ll be talking with nuclear experts, learning facts, propaganda, and what’s happening with the nuclear industry today. I’m excited to dive into this topic with you all, so let’s get started!

Jacqueline Fahrenholz is a rising second year master’s student at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. She is pursuing a dual master’s degree in Environmental Management focusing in Ecosystem Science and Conservation along with a master’s degree in Forestry. Jackie worked with BREDL as a GIS Specialist this past summer, helping the organization get familiarized with the program as well as identifying tools necessary for completing tasks that have already been Identified. Some of the projects the team has focused on, include but is not limited to AERMOD modeling and the Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate extension. With Jackie we break down what GIS is, how environmental groups can use it, what got her interested in the environmental field, and what her plans for the future are. Contact and connect with Jackie: jacqueline.fahrenholz@duke.edu 

Lejia Helling is a Community Organizing Associate with Center for Health Environment and Justice (CHEJ). The campaign that she is working on is called Make Polluters Pay which is making polluting corporations pay for their contamination. To give some background, there are currently 1,388 toxic waste sites in the United States that are so dangerous they have been designated “Superfund” sites by the federal government. But there’s no money left to clean up the contamination. Originally, big polluting companies paid into a fund that was used to clean up their messes. But in 1995, Congress let the Polluters Pay Tax expire. By 2003, our Superfund was broke. Ever since, cleanup efforts have slowed to a crawl while all of us as taxpayers are left holding the bag. Today, some of the biggest polluting corporations are making billions of dollars per year in profits and paying zero dollars in taxes. As climate change causes more flooding, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, increasing the risk of widespread toxic exposure from these sites, there is no time to waste. With Lejiah we talk about what got her into organizing work, the Make Polluters Pay campaign, why young people should / are involved in the climate movement, and imaging a better future. Contact and connect with Leijah: leijahelling@gmail.com Make Pollutors Pay: http://chej.org/makepolluterspay/

This week we will be diverting from the Youth in the Climate Season to bring you a bonus episode about the No Coal UNC rally happening today at UNC Chapel Hill. Today at 11, there will be a Kick off rally where people will be using their voices and presences to demand justice for the dirty coal that UNC is continuing to burn. You can listen to episodes 3 on the Road to Renewable Season with Jovita Lee and 1 on this season with Amelia Covington if you want to hear more on the UNC coal plant. On this episode is Chris Carlton and Liz Evans who are apart of a group called Raging Grannies which are grannies who are using creative actions to speak out for social issues. CLEAN ENERGY NOW! (Tune: “Bella Ciao” Song of the Italian Resistance WWll)  New lyrics by Chris Carlson for the Raging Grannies We need to wake up! We need to wise up! We need to open our eyes And do it NOW! NOW! NOW! We need to stop this toxic coal plant And we need to stop it now! They’ve been mining, they’ve been burning,  They’ve been dumping their coal ash For a hundred years! Hardest hit/ are poor communities, And that’s got to stop right now! Coal is burning. It’s quite concerning. We’ve got to solve it, get involved And do it NOW! NOW! NOW! DAQ! we’re telling you: Restore the Heat Input Limit, Now! We’re on a campus/ that’s in a crisis They’re full of shit! Useless permit! Change it NOW! NOW! NOW! We need the proof/ that you’re complying With the Clean Air Act right now!! No point in waiting/ or hesitating; We must get wise to their lies If we’re to stay alive! We need to build/ a Clean New Future, And we’re gonna start right Now!! Contact with Chris and Liz: cmneuok@gmail.com and emevans500@aol.com  

This episode is a re-release from a few months ago where I talk with Nick Trombetta who is a part of the Sunrise Movement which is a youth movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process. They’re building an army of young people to make climate change an urgent priority across America, end the corrupting influence of fossil fuel executives on our politics, and elect leaders who stand up for the health and wellbeing of all people. With Nick we discuss the Sunrise Movement's mission, why it is important for youth to be involved in the climate movement, the Green New Deal, and actions they’re taking locally. In the episode there are talks about politicians, but BREDL does not endorse any politician or political party. Thanks for listening and if you like it, please share with a friend! Contact and connect with Nick: nicktrombetta1373@gmail.com Sunrise Movement: https://www.sunrisemovement.org/?ms=SunriseMovement-WeAreTheClimateRevolution How to get involved: https://www.sunrisemovement.org/take-action/?ms=HowtoTakeActionwithSunrise

Madeline Parker is from NC Warn. Madeline is a Youth Climate Justice Organizer, which is an arm of the organization that was created in 2017. Their intention is to further develop and deepen NC WARN’s commitment to actively involving youth in the fight for climate justice and against the climate crisis, working both in school settings and out in the general community. We are all impacted by the climate crisis, but youth are the ones most impacted and all too often are not invited to the conversation or able to amplify their voices and engage in the movement. With Madeline, we discuss her work, working with Youth who are already engaged in the Climate Movement, why there has been an uprising in youth speaking out, challenging the status quo, how youth are keeping engaged in COVID and more. Thank you for listening and if you enjoy it please share with a friend! Contact and connect with Madeline: madeline@ncwarn.org NC Warn: https://www.ncwarn.org/our-work/youth-climate-justice-organizing/

This week I’m bringing you a very special episode because it is, Lou Zeller, our Executive Director at Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League last week with us as he retires. This month is also marking his 35-year career with BREDL including nine years as executive director. BREDL’s founding principles of earth stewardship, environmental democracy, social justice and community empowerment is the embodiment and legacy that Lou has and will still carry on.  Lou, the communities, people, organization, and the environment are forever grateful for your time and contributions you’ve made, you will be greatly missed! In the episode we celebrate and reminisce about his time at the organization and talk about his plans for the future and retirement. We also discuss: His beginnings in the organization and how he got involved How he has seen the organization change and grow through the years Some of the successful or creative campaigns that stood out to him The most memorable moments for him personally His hope going forward leaving BREDL His plans for the future and retirement Contact and connect with Lou: bredl@skybest.com Contribute to Lou’s Kudos board: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/jnD54X3S Keep up to date with BREDL: https://www.bredl.org/index.htm

Margot Franchini is a high school senior from Chapel Hill in North Carolina, Margot is apart of Earth Uprising, a youth led organization who describe themselves as “team of young people who want to save the planet.” They have strong values and principles, some of which are to “listen, believe and act on science and scientific facts,” use “ non-violent” words and actions, and be inclusive of all ethnicities, genders, cultures, and backgrounds. Margot’s organization, Earth Uprising knows that they are the generation that will have to deal with the consequences of our neglect of climate change so they are rising up to take action. Thanks for tuning in and I hope you enjoy the episode! Contact and connect with Margot: mhfrancini@gmail.com Earth Uprising:  info@earthuprising.org

Last week, we wrapped up our Road to Renewables season and wow what amazing variety of people we got to speak with. We are now following the season up with our new topic, Youth in the Climate Movement. We will be talking to all sorts of experts and people on the ground about the action being made amongst the young millennial and generation Z. We are kicking off the season by chatting with Amelia Covington from Climate Action. Amelia’s organization uses activism in Greensboro, Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte, to advocate for sound environmental policies both locally and within the wider nation. Amelia will discuss their overarching goal to progress North Carolina towards a clean energy future, and how she got involved in the climate movement and activism herself. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy! Contact and connect with Amelia: acovingtonlcv@gmail.com Climate Action NC: https://www.facebook.com/climateactionnc/, https://twitter.com/climateactionnc?lang=en

Hi everyone, it’s your host, Jenn Galler, and I am back for a new season and it’s all about Youth in the Climate Movement. We will be investigating what millennials and generation Z are doing to contribute to and really lead the climate movement forward. Within the season, we hear from an array of youth who are refusing to sit passively by and are stepping up to take action to protect the future of our planet. Young people’s unprecedented initiative around the world shows the massive power they possess to hold decision-makers accountable and make climate change an urgent priority. Whether through education, community organizing, science, or technology, young people are scaling up their efforts and using their skills to accelerate climate action. I’m excited to dive into this topic with you all so let’s get started!

In this episode, Perrin will discuss the UNC coal plant and why we should be more alarmed about the lack of action being taken to remove it or at least reduce the emissions. Coal plants are not just an issue contributing to the climate crisis but also to public health and endangered species. And Perrin works as an attorney on these matters in North Carolina.  Coal contains trace amounts of naturally occurring radioactive elements. This means some coal plants emit more radiation than a nuclear power plant and can cause acid rain, affecting our plants and wildlife. Perrin also goes into depth about the personal health complications he had from growing up near a coal power plant. With its abundance and inexpensive tendencies, coal has been one of the United States' leading energy resources. However, the air pollution and water pollution alone have counteracted these benefits, not to mention the inhabitants, waste, mining destruction, and significant contribution to greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. It's up to us to put pressure on these coal plants, legislators, and energy companies to put a stop to coal power. Contact and connect with Perrin: PdeJong@biologicaldiversity.org Center for Biological Diversity: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/about/staff/ Follow BREDL’s Instagram: BREDL_HQ

Today we are speaking with Dr Tim Johnson. A common argument against renewable energy is the perceived unreliable nature of it, the sun isn’t always shining and the wind isn’t always blowing. Luckily, we have those issues being solved by people like Dr Johnson. He works in the more logistical side of renewables, conducting research on systems planning and management on resources. He also spends his time as a professor at Duke University, teaching in the Nicholas graduate school about energy system planning and management. We unpack the intersection between energy system design’s environmental quality and human health, the economic influences on our journey to renewables, and the present and future plans for energy storage. His notable publications include investigations on solar power, the economics within sustainability bio energy and its relationship with agriculture, and the assessment of the environmental effects from gasoline and ethanol production. Contact and connect with Dr. Johnson: https://nicholas.duke.edu/people/faculty/johnson-0 Contact BREDL on Instagram: BREDL_HQ

This week, we are bringing back one of our previous podcast that follows the theme of our season, Road to Renewables. We chatted with Brianna Kinsley who has a degree in sustainable development and works for Appalachian Voices assisting the people of East Tennessee to address the energy efficiency needs. This podcast looks further into how Appalachian Voices is assisting in energy democracy, the local people having control of how their electricity is produced and distributed to ensure everyone has access to affordable and clean power. With the help of solar, wind and hydro power, Appalachian Voices is helping citizens decrease their carbon footprint by allowing them to choose clean, renewable energy. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy the episode! Contact and connect with Briana: brianna@appvoices.org    Appalachian Voices: https://appvoices.org/energydemocracy/tennessee/

Micheal Walton, Executive Director and Gabrielle Chevalier, Director of Marketing and Community Outreach with Green | Spaces. Green | Spaces a nonprofit working toward regional sustainability by progressing the way we live, work, and build in Chattanooga and the surrounding region. They have a focus on making awareness and application of sustainable practice accessible to the wider community. In recent years, “sustainability” has been a focus for Chattanooga's economy. The city has received three national awards for outstanding livability and 9 Gunther Blue Ribbon Awards for excellence in housing and consolidated planning. Contact and connect with Micheal and Gabrielle: michael@greenspaceschattanooga.com gabrielle@greenspaceschattanooga.com Green Spaces: http://www.greenspaceschattanooga.org/ Integrated Community Sustainability Plan: http://www.greenspaceschattanooga.org/integrated-community-sustainability-plan

Sandy Kurtz is co -president of BREDL’s board of directors and she works with numerous other environmental organizations. We will be discussing how renewable energy has changed and advanced within her lifetime and all the work she has been doing along the way. And from the beginning BREDL has supported communities and organizations, big and small, in making internal changes to achieve their renewable energy goals. Sandy will speak some about that and ways you personally can reduce energy consumption. Contact and connect with Sandy: sandykurtz4@gmail.com Follow BREDL’s Instagram: BREDL_HQ

Jovita Lee is with the Center for Biological Diversity. By applying law, science and creative media, the Center for Biological Diversity believes that to fight the climate emergency and extinction crisis, we must revolutionize our world to be entirely powered by clean, renewable, wildlife-friendly and democratic energy. They wage innovative legal and grassroots campaigns to drive this urgent transition for energy justice. Recently in North Carolina, a permit was approved for livestock liquid waste to be transformed into natural gas and Jovita will begin by covering what the new bio gas permit in North Carolina means for halting the Road to Renewables and other projects she’s working on. Thank you so much to Jovita for speaking with me about your passion and expertise. BREDL along with the Center for Biological Diversity does not approve of biogas for CFAOS as a renewable energy source and you can read why in our Smoke and Mirrors report in the show notes below. And tune in next Friday where I talk with Sandy Kurtz and how renewable energy has changed in her lifetime. Contact and connect with Jovita: JLee@biologicaldiversity.org https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/about/staff/ Center for Biological Diversity: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/energy-justice/

John Farrell works with the Institute for Local Self Reliance, a national research and advocacy organization fighting corporate control to develop the intersection between the economy and the environment. John Farrell is the director of their Energy Democracy Initiative, which, as the name suggests, is a movement to allow more public choice in energy source consumption. The cause hopes to take the decision of energy sources from larger utilities and corporations and give it to us as individuals, so we have more options in our energy resources and hence can choose a more sustainable, renewable energy source. Join me as we learn more from John what the Energy Democracy Initiative means for us and progression to sustainability. Contact and connect with John: jfarrell@ilsr.org   ILSR: https://ilsr.org/about-the-institute-for-local-self-reliance/staff-and-board/john-farrell/ https://ilsr.org/energy/ 

Maggie Shober is the Director of Utility Reform at Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. Maggie works to speed the clean energy transformation in the Southeast through analysis and advocacy. She has expertise in renewable energy, energy efficiency, coal retirements, energy market modeling, and transmission. In this episode, we unpack and identify the key concepts, goals, and logistics in moving toward a more renewable future. We will hear the definition of what “clean energy” is and a breakdown of common terminology used in the discussion. Maggie also gives us some great tips on what you as listeners can do from home. Part of Maggie’s work includes researching developments related to the transition to clean energy and then breaking it down to a format more digestible to the public in her blog posts. You can read her pieces at cleanenergy.org/blog/staff/maggie-shober and I hope you enjoy the episode! Contact and connect with Maggie: maggie@cleanenergy.org  Southern Alliance for Clean Energy: cleanenergy.org  Smoke and Mirrors report (why we are in opposition of bio fuels): https://www.bredl.org/search-results.htm?cx=010984996806542994840%3A5bo6_yjam9k&cof=FORID%3A11&q=smoke+and+mirrios&sa=Search

Hello all! It’s your host, Jenn Galler bringing you new season called The Road to Renewables. We will be learning the basics of renewable energy. As well as acknowledging the progress we have made and the steps we still have to take to achieve clean energy from our renewable resources. Before we get started, so we are all on the same page, I would like to identify our renewable resources. Firstly we have solar energy – from the sun, wind energy, hydroelectric- harnessed by hydro dams in lakes, ocean energy- harnessed by tidal patterns, geothermal energy- harnessed from the earth’s surface and biomass – energy produced by living organisms like plants. Renewable energy tends to be carbon neutral, meaning its consumption leads to no added output of carbon dioxide into our earth's atmosphere and thus has no detrimental effects to our earth, climate and ecosystems. Non renewable resources on the other hand are our more traditional energies such as our fossil fuels - coal, crude oil and natural gas. These fossil fuels are finite, unsustainable and emit substantial amounts of carbon dioxide and contribute a huge amount to our climate crisis. Within the season, we will further unpack what experts, activists, and people on the ground are doing on a local, state, and national level to move us further on a just road to renewable energy. I am super excited to unpack this topic with you all so let's get started!

Court Lewis is President of the Executive Committee of Unicoi Clear. The asphalt company, Summers-Taylor Materials Corp. has revised its application for an air quality permit to expand operations at the former Construction Asphalt Paving Services plant in Unicoi, TN. The town of Unicoi joined in the request for a public hearing in June following a Unicoi Planning Commission meeting in which town residents addressed concerns including: • An increase in emissions beyond those permitted by the state since the plant began operations in the 1990s. • Increases in noise and truck traffic that could negatively impact property values. • Detrimental impacts on the quality of life, health and property values of residents of more than 100 families who live near the plant. • TDEC’s failure to publish a notice of Summers-Taylor initial application for a permit to expand operations in Unicoi in a newspaper likely to be read by Unicoi County residents and subsequent award of that permit. • Summers-Taylor purchase of property adjoining the plant and town zoning ordinances that prohibit asphalt plants outside the two-acre CAPS site. With Court we discuss Unicoi Clear and why they formed as a group, rezoning of the site, public health and environmental impacts of asphalt plants, proximity of the asphalt plant to residents, and how you can support their work. Contact and connect with Court: unicoi-air@mindspring.com More on Summer Taylor’s Asphalt plant: https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/news/summers-taylor-revises-application-for-unicoi-asphalt-plant-expansion-public-hearing-postponed/article_88fae136-d11f-11ea-b0b5-bf48a51a6e5e.html