Lithium batteries are in nearly everything we own. I have six or seven in my shed for lawn equipment and power tools. Then we also have the much larger versions that power electric vehicles. If any of those get damaged or puncture, as often happens during end-of-life processes at waste yards, these things burn like propane torches with water having little to no effect. The fires burn hot and burn for a long time, exposing the public nearby to a toxic mix of emissions. It is also a large public safety issue.

My guests this week are trying to do something about this. Assemblyman Bill Moen (NJ-5th District) and John Thomas (Managing Partner, Recycling and Waste Solutions) believe that there is no one magic bullet for this problem. It's too complex. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) rules hold some promise but are tricky since most of these batteries are made overseas. Education and recycling incentives are also critical, but historically, recycling programs have largely had trouble realizing their full potential. But interestingly, I learned during this discussion that dogs are amazing at identifying these batteries, so we have that going for us. 

All kidding aside, until we can divert much more of these batteries from the general waste streams, these fires will continue to get worse. I applaud Assm Moen and John for trying to lean into this topic and affect some positive change. It will save lives. 

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I was raised Catholic and am proud to have had six years of Jesuit education at Georgetown Prep and Loyola University in Chicago. One of the things that really hit home with me during that time was trying to be a "man for others", trying to make the most of my time on this planet to have a positive impact. 

My guests this week share that desire and dedicate their time toward improving environmental justice, climate, and public health impacts in overburdened communities. Reverand Brian Sauder is the President and CEO of Faith in Place, a non-profit organization cultivating a powerful multifaith movement working for environmental justice through connection, education, and advocacy in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Dr. Elizabeth Cerceo is Director of Climate Health at Cooper Medical School at Rowan University and Associate Program Director of Internal Medicine at Cooper University Healthcare. 

As Pope Francis states in Laudato Si, “We have to realize that a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.”

This was a great discussion. I hope you all enjoy. 

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Guests

Miguel Morevac, Clean Rides Network, Campaign Manager

Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director of Open Plans, Inc. 

The transportation sector is critical for our economy. We need to get to work, goods need to move freely, and there has always been something inherently American about the ability to get in your car and see the country. But there also many areas for improvement. The transportation sector accounts for roughly 40% of particulate matter emissions in most states. This is critical since elevated PM emissions directly lead to pulmonary and cardiovascular problems. The interstate highway systems were also built through eminent domain, often bisecting poor communities and erasing some of their history and culture. 

My guests this week are working toward better options and maximizing impacts whether at the micro levels (community) or macro (large infrastructure projects). The built environment is hard to untangle, and transportation is an unfortunate example of tragedy of the commons since its impacts are massed cumulatively but our decisions and views in this area are often individual. 

This was a great discussion and the energy and passion that Miguel and Sara have for these topics was palpable. Enjoy, and be sure to read the episode notes for useful resources from the episode.

Episode Notes:

Here's an AP article describing the Clean RIDES Network.
Smarter Modes Calculator

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I've been taking my son on annual trips to DC for the last 4-5 years. I toured the Capitol for the first time when I was around his age and was absolutely enthralled. Thank you to Senator Andy Kim's office for helping to arrange a tour for us last month. It was the first time that I have been back in the building since before January 6th. As we walked through, I kept smiling when my son would ask questions and just couldn't help but think about the fragile nature of democracy. They call it the bedrock of our society for a reason.

This episode highlights the work of Gary Lucks, JD, CPEA (Partner, Bay Law Group), as part of my Impactful Authors Series. In his new book, We are the Power to Win the Future, Gary writes of the need to protect our fundamental systems and how ideally that can act as a unifying message instead of a divisive one. This is not a red issue or a blue issue; it's a critical systems issue. I'm tired of all the hate, division, and distrust. It's time to come together. Paraphrasing something Gary said during our talk, regulatory compliance work is premised on trust in the system and certainty...both have been waning in recent years.

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Diamond Spratling and I have been friends and colleagues now for 4-5 years. Another colleague recommended her for a climate justice panel that I was putting together at the time, and needless to say, I am glad he did. Diamond is the proud founder and executive director of Girl Plus Environment, the national nonprofit that has raised over $800,000 to ensure Black and Brown women+ are leading climate and environmental policies, decisions, and innovative solutions. 

She is also the author of Sage Sails the World, a children's book series following 7-year-old Sage and her dog Benji as they explore Earth’s wonders, uncover climate challenges, and inspire young readers to become environmental stewards. 

It is critically important that children of all races believe that they can be anything that they want to be in life, that they can achieve their dreams if they work hard enough. I tell a quick story early in this episode of taking my daughter to Target for Barbies, and a woman passing us in the aisle scoffing at why there needs to be a black soccer player Barbie. Little girls will see that Barbie and see it as a possible option for them. I love Diamond's idea for the Sage series because it instills hope in young people and tells them that not only can they travel the world, but they can also help positively impact one of the greatest challenges of our time, climate change. 

Well done Diamond. I bought my daughter this book, and she loves it. 

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I have had a text thread going with two good friends of mine, who also happen to be enviro-nerds, for the last few years. We use it to bounce ideas off each other, vent about stuff, and generally just find new and creative ways to give each other a hard time. That text thread will never see the light of day, but it did give me an idea. Thought bubble - Wouldn't it be fun to have Mike Showalter (Partner, Arent Fox Schiff) and Joe Pere (Managing Director, OMS Group) on for an episode with no pre-approved bullets, no script whatsoever, and no filters? I have to admit, the combination of morbid curiosity and "oh this is going to be fun" made me do it.

Their disclaimers were longer than CVS receipts, but in the end, this turned into largely a serious discussion. We started off discussing how drugs and alcohol have historically been a problem in the legal and consulting fields, and that thankfully we have all seen improvements in recent years. We also discussed how long-term planning and advisory has shifted with federal changes by the current administration. 

I always have fun talking with these two, and although I would normally never admit it, I often walk away learning something. 

Enjoy. I know I did.

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I used to always start my climate or EJ talks with a photo of my children to reinforce the point that they are why I am so passionate about my work. I want to help establish the most sustainable, healthy, and economically viable environment for them that we possibly can. I'd expect that most parents would relate to that goal. Yet long term planning and sustainability programs are often brushed aside. Children have no real voice in the matter. Similarly, residents in overburdened areas may often feel like they have no voice as their concerns may go seemingly unheard. Finally, wildlife itself, although critical to our survival, has no voice in the planning and policy processes (though a few recent court cases are changing this a bit).

My guest for this episode, Professor Randall Abate, addresses these issues and more in the second edition of his book Climate Change and the Voiceless. I'm not sure if it was the topics we discussed, or the fact that we both have deep Jersey ties, but I really enjoyed this conversation and hope you will as well. 

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I am born and raised in New Jersey. Growing up we used to visit the Shore multiple times a year. Belmar was my beach. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy devastated our state. After the storm passed, as I was volunteering in Belmar to literally pickup pieces of the boardwalk that had washed into residential yards ten blocks away, the importance of climate work came into focus for me. Storms happen, but the rate at which they happen, and their rate of intensification are both increasing; as are inland flooding, cloud burst events, so-called sunny day flooding, and combined sewer overflows. Much of our built system is quite old, and much of the new stuff is being built without regard for cumulative effects. 

My guests for this episode are Nick Angarone (Chief Resilience Office, NJDEP) and Amy Chester (Director, Rebuild by Design). A few days prior to recording this episode, New Jersey announced a 1-year pause on the Protecting Against Climate Threats: Resilient Environments and Landscapes (NJ PACT REAL) Rules. The rules would require developers and property owners to incorporate various risk minimization steps to factor in the likelihood of adverse future impacts. If you haven't done so already, I highly recommend you look into Amy's flood modeling work. It is eye opening stuff. I know many people in support of the REAL rules, and likely as many against them. But no matter which side of the argument you fall on, I hope that you can look at the risks objectively and then come to the table with suggestions. The status quo isn't working. I will always support those looking for answers to the hard questions. Great discussion, I hope you all enjoy. 

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There is a palpable fear spreading across the country, the fear of data centers and their potential impacts to our society and environment. Before we start, it is important to note that data centers are not a new thing, hyperscale data centers (>100MW) are new, as are large learning models (LLMs). Much has been written on their energy use, their water use, potential climate impacts, air impacts, impacts to our workforce, impacts to local farmers and food supplies, and the potential for a technological renaissance that alters how we live our lives. A day or two before we recorded this episode Governor Sherrill (NJ) had just proposed "guardrails" for data center development in the state. If you recall, I have been suggesting the same for a few months. Hyperlocal moratoriums have popped up all over the country. Each location has to decide for themselves, but I'd hope that they do so based on the most current and objective data possible. These are nuanced cases and developers are innovating and investing in the sector at an incredible pace. There is also the argument that to understand the benefits of development, you not only have to look at their footprint, but also their "handprint", or how they will make our lives less environmentally impactful. I'd suggest that will only happen if safeguards on usage are added to provide at least a minimum amount of processing time to energy and environmental questions, or social impact issues. 

For this episode, I chose to focus mostly on the energy and water issues. My guests are Jeffrey Davis (Principal, Integral Consulting) and Abraham Silverman (Research Scholar, The Johns Hopkins University). The three of us try hard to not take a position on data centers but provide as much technical information as possible to support others in their planning processes. Towards the end of the episode, we also discuss a project that I am developing at Rutgers University to create a policy toolkit that focuses on building better guardrails. 

We cover a lot on this one and thank you to my editing team for getting this episode finished in just a few days. 

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The 25th Amendment has been in the news quite a lot over the last decade. For how often it has been brought up, do you really know what it says, or the potential implications it has? My guest this week, Rebecca Lubot, PhD, is a friend who recently wrote a compelling book on the topic, Keeping a Finger on the Button: Presidential Continuity and the Nuclear Age. Rebecca and I know each other from policy work in New Jersey where she is the Executive Director of the New Jersey Sustainable Business Network.

To quote David Greenberg, "The Twenty-Fifth Amendment has once again returned to the center of our political debates. Rebecca Lubot has delivered an authoritative, original, detailed account of how this vital part of the Constitution came into being - and how it continues to play out in our politics today. Keeping a Finger on the Button sheds needed light on presidential power in an era of global tension and democratic crisis." 

Her research is impeccable, her topics timely, and her objective tone is critical. Sound management and understanding of nuance is critical. Rebecca gave us an important read that somehow succinctly weaves together many storylines.

Enjoy.

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We are starting something special with this episode. Many professionals write a book at some point in their careers, but few do so really try to move the needle, really trying to add something positive to the conversation. The Impactful Authors Series will highlight people who I believe are doing just that.

Leah Kral has an interesting background in the Peace Corps and consulting and has dedicated her professional career towards helping nonprofits scale and innovate. Her book, Innovation for Social Change is practical, inspiring, and actionable. We all like to talk about innovation and trying to make a positive impact, Leah helps show you how to make that happen. 

I chose to start the series with Leah with my friends in Camden, NJ in mind. Over the years I have met so many big-hearted entrepreneurs with ideas on how to help their communities. It can feel too big to get started, or you may doubt that your idea is innovative at all. Leah's book can help you get started and provide useful steps to grow and reach for larger impact. Highly recommend.

I hope you all enjoy the conversation. 

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Someone told me last night that they have no idea how I do so much, how I am so active on these topics. The truth is twofold; you need a great support team (thank you Uzziah Davis), and you have to be passionate about the topics. What's the old adage, when you love what you do, it isn't really work? I love environmental education. I love helping to educate the next generation and supporting those who come up with innovative ways to empower students.

My guests this week embody that same mindset. Dominique Johnson (Co-Founder) and Steve Weiner (Director of Innovation) of Future Climate Collective employ a project-based learning model for middle school and high school students in Portland, Oregon that has quickly grown to reach more than 350 teens across six public schools. 

Climate can feel debilitating, too big to take on, too complex to make a difference. Future Climate Collective helps show us the benefits of hyperlocal action and how they can act as a force multiplier to empower people towards larger collaborative efforts. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just start. Take small steps and seek others around you looking to do the same. You'll be amazed at the results. 

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The United States of America was once tribal lands. One of the things that I have always respected about those cultures are their deep ties to the natural world. In a capitalist society that can feel pretty unattainable, but we would do well to at least appreciate the fact that our land is one of the most precious resources that we have. We rely on the natural world to support every aspect of our lives, and if our extraction occurs without consideration, it has tangible detrimental impacts. One of the most glaring is exacerbating the effects of climate change. 

For this episode, I was fortunate to be joined by Jacob Malcom (Founder and Executive Director, Next Interior) and Taj Schottland (Director of Climate Resilience, Trust for Public Land) to discuss our current trajectory for land use and climate impacts. I started this discussion a bit grumpy after spending a few hours on episode prep but somehow ended it on a hopeful note. My hope is that it will have a similar effect for you.

Enjoy, Taj and Jacob have a wealth of knowledge and passion on these topics.

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I've never liked video games. I've never been able to sit still for very long. Growing up in Central New Jersey in the early 90s, meant I spent much of my time climbing trees, playing huge games of manhunt with friends in the neighborhood, and basically doing anything I could to be outside all day. I have always loved the outdoors but first gained an understanding of it and connection to it in the summer of 1994. My mom agreed to send me to 4H sleepaway camp for the first time. The experience was pivotal. We spent a week swinging from tire swings into a river, learning about watersheds and local animal life, and talking with environmental professionals. I didn't know it then, but looking back on it now, that was one of the first major steps toward my career.

So when my friend Dennis Toft (Chair Environmental Department, Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi) emailed a few months ago suggesting that I do an episode on the New Jersey School of Conservation (NJSOC), and explained the school and his connections to it, I jumped at the chance. 

For this episode I was joined by Dennis and Kerry Pflugh (Executive Director, Friends of the NJSOC) to talk about the NJSOC. The property is located in northwest New Jersey in Stokes State Forest, and offers among other things, the sort of transformational getaway experience that once meant so much to me eons ago. 

New Jersey was named the Garden State for a reason, and the NJSOC is a hidden treasure in the state that I am glad to now support. I hope you enjoy the episode and to learn more about the NJSOC or support their programing please visit https://njsoc.org/. 

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Immigration. That one word alone likely makes most of us want to run back to our designated corners and start regurgitating talking points. This topic is an objective reality and challenge that should never have been so politicized. People choose to come to the US for a myriad of reasons, but they can most often boil down to seeking better opportunities for their families.  Many still carry a deep love for their native country, but they decide to come to America due to slipping economic, safety, and social systems at home. No matter which side of the aisle you fall on, I'd hope that we could treat people with respect and dignity and follow established processes. With that said, there are many flaws in our immigration systems, and rising impacts from climate change will only highlight those areas as we see more people elect to immigrate. 

Carlos Claussell (PennFuture) and Daniel Gonzalez (DJourneys) both came to the US to study climate change and dedicate their lives to affecting positive changes on critical issues. They have both also experienced multiple stages of our immigration system and have important stories to tell. Daniel is now in Madrid in part due to some of these challenges.

I invite you to listen to this episode with an open mind. You will learn something. Thank you to Carlos and Daniel. I enjoyed this conversation. 

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Welcome back everyone!

It is a challenging time for climate policy. As you may know, the endangerment finding was just repealed by the US Supreme Court. Almost as soon as that ruling went live, so did a great deal of half-truths and misconceptions on potential applicability. We walk through a number of them on this episode.

I was fortunate to be joined by Michael Gerrard (Founder and Faculty Director, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law) and Alexa White, Ph.D. (Co-Founder, Ase Analytics and Aya Research Institute). 

We focus on overburdened communities for much of this discussion as they are often located near highways and would be directly impacted by any relaxation of environmental safeguards related to motor vehicles. We also go into some impacts from the repeal that you might not have immediately considered. The conversation looked to the future and (perhaps unsurprisingly) addressed projected impacts and stresses related to data centers. 

I learned a good deal from this discussion and enjoyed the time. I hope you will too. 

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NIMBY - Not in my backyard. If you let that play out for long enough, eventually you risk running out of backyards, and running out of trust. 

I have been wanting to do this episode for at least a year and was excited to be able to sit down with Roishetta Sibley Ozane (Founder, Vessel Project of Louisiana) and Sharonda Allen (Founder and Executive Director, Operation Grow Inc.). I spend an obscene amount of time looking at modeling, EXCEL sheets, and reading papers that study undue levels of environmental and public health impact in overburdened communities. All of that is no substitute for lived experiences. Roishetta and Sharonda have raised families in these communities, started impressive organizations, and center much of their work around educating youth and helping those most in need. 

Some of this conversation got pretty raw. There is clear frustration and distrust, but also hope, such as in state EJ compliance models. 

I chose this as the Season Finale to try and highlight the importance of really listening to these communities. We have only had environmental regulation in the country for about 50 years and despite considerable macro progress, we have only just begun trying to address cumulative impacts and overburdened areas. Getting this right is important.

Happy Holidays all, and we will be back for Season 3 in Feb 2026.

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Our climate is changing due to anthropocentric activities over the past 120 years. We are seeing increasing impacts nearly every year due to these changes, with the poor and those living in low-lying areas often taking the brunt. Policy choices today will inform the scope and range of these future impacts, and who is most affected. But we also must meet rising energy demands while not forgetting about affordability. 

Let's start there. Everything I have said thus far is true, and a massive challenge, but one that we have no choice but to take on. 

Our guests this episode are Sunny Wescott (Chief Meteorologist: Federal Emergency Response and Operations Support) and Matthew Tejada (Sr VP of Environmental Health, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)). Sunny and Matt have dedicated their lives to public service and were mainstays on climate policy development during the Biden Administration. Matt also led the USEPA's Office of Environmental Justice. Our talk centers around objectively taking on climate challenges, taking big swings at policy, and the effects of federal changes over the previous ten months. 

Climate risks are not just going away on their own. They are not just going away if you call them something else. Less warming equates to lives saved, fewer financial shocks, and protecting high risk areas. Let's keep working on that. 

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Somehow people still underestimate the impact of water on our lives. We don't think about it a lot, and often take it for granted, unless there is a problem. It is fundamental to our natural systems and public health, as well as recreation, cultural heritage, religions, and now unfortunately many climate-related detriments. Storms are getting stronger and more frequent, inland and coastal flooding is increasing, with each instance forcing us to question our planning paradigms. We have options available to us on the mitigation and resiliency sides and need to make some informed choices. There are many tools available now, such as Drawdown Explorer, that can help inform potential projects. 

Our guests this week are George Schuler (Co-Founder and Principal at Connecting for Change, LLC) and Furhana Husani (Director of Programs and Climate Initiatives at the Waterfront Alliance). I love talking with people clearly smarter than me on a certain topic, because I always learn so much, and walk away inspired by their work. For one thing, I never knew so many natural waterways were covered over in Manhattan. 

George and Furhana share a similar practical approach with an aspirational mindset, in that the choices we make today can have incredible impact. I hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to follow George and Furhana's work.

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Water management will be one of the critical issues of the 21rst Century. Between increased volatility in weather events, climate driven droughts, and historical cleanups...well that's plenty to keep us all busy. Now add data center proliferation and nearly unprecedented water demands. Challenging to say the least.

My guests this week are Pete Malinowski (Executive Director of the Billion Oyster Project) and Mark McDonough (President, New Jersey American Water). Both men are passionate speakers who are taking on different parts of this topic. For those who haven't seen Pete's Ted Talk, I'd highly recommend it. Mark has been a friend for a few years, and I am constantly impressed by his work in Camden. 

After you watch this, you will have questions, and if you are like me, you will also likely want to dig into these topics. Clean water is a public health necessity as well as an economic imperative. You cannot have sustainable growth without it.  

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We're back!!!

What I thought was just going to be a quick break for the summer as I planned a conference, ended up being more of an endeavor as I then had to deal with a fried hard drive, being laid off, and starting my own consulting company. Oh, also during this period, I went to NYC Climate Week.

This episode was recorded a few days after climate week. We were fortunate to be joined by two leaders who have helped push aggressive climate reforms in their states at the highest levels. NJDEP Commissioner Shawn Latourette and Former Commissioner of the NYSDEC (and currently Partner and Senior Policy Director at Foley Hoag LLP) Basil Seggos have led New Jersey and New York to being at the forefront of climate and EJ policies, and both men are regulars at NYC Climate Week and similar events around the country. 

How do we judge progress and incremental gains in the face of a problem as encompassing as climate? Unfortunately, those who have contributed the least to the problem often bear a higher rate of climate impacts and have a lower capacity to respond. This is the ultimate risk evaluation in that the more the planet warms, the more likely it will be that we see increased flooding, droughts, heat waves, stronger storms, biodiversity loss, etc. Project Drawdown does a great job of walking through all of this and lately put out their Drawdown Explorer to help connect local people with applicable projects in their communities. 

Ultimately, it will cost us far more the longer we wait to act, and if we wait, we will likely have less to protect. These are heavy topics, and it is always important to find hope, to highlight progress, and celebrate collaboration. 

I hope you enjoy this discussion with Shawn and Basil, I know I did. 

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About four years ago I was giving a talk in Ohio and someone in the crowd asked me, "EJ just kind of sprang up, where did it come from, how did this start?" At first I was pretty taken back by the comment since the environmental justice movement began around the time I was born, but this gentleman simply had not heard about it until that point, until it was tied into his operations. 

My two guests this episode are Vernice Miller-Travis (EVP of the Metropolitan Group and Co-Founder of WeAct for Environmental Justice) and Adrienne Hollis, PhD, JD, VP of EJ, Health, and Community Resilience and Revitalization at the National Wildlife Federation. They have been at this for a long time and describe multiple situations that drove them to get into this work. Having to wipe oil smears off windshields so they could drive, swimming in polluted waterways, and seemingly having no say in what happened in their communities. Thankfully, much has changed over the last decades and nearly all environmental metrics have improved, but there are still many areas that need to be addressed sustainably. 

If you are going to do this work, you have to try and understand sense of place, community, and heritage and how environmental and public health impacts can affect each. Paraphrasing something from the episode, the community will know if there's a problem, the science will identify the source (s), and hopefully collaboration among all parties can bring on solutions. 

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There's a common fallacy out there that public policy that is protective of public health is likely bad for bottom lines. That could not be further from the truth. Sound policy is protective but in a sustainable way that also promotes economic growth. 

For this episode, who better to talk about taking on complex policy development, than two people who have done it at the highest levels? Sandra Whitehead is an expert on cumulative health impacts, a professor at GW, and formerly a member of the White House EJ Advisory Council. Ryan Hathaway is currently with Lawyers for Good Government, and was the Director for Environmental Justice with CEQ and previously the EJ Coordinator with the Department of the Interior. Both Sandra and Ryan share my desire for objectivity and passion for following the numbers. 

They were gracious enough to share insights from their work with the previous administration and many forward looking thoughts on major policy development. Protecting public health and promoting economic development are not mutually exclusive. 

Enjoy the episode!

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It feels appropriate that this episode is posting in the middle of a heat wave in much of the United States, with four straight days of heat index readings at or above 110F. While we were planning for the episode a glacier in Europe gave way, burying the town of Blatten, Switzerland. Our world is warming, and that has many difficult implications. With all the changes of the last six months, we had many options for episode names on this one, but something one of our guests said stuck out. We live in systems not silos. Climate is the ultimate tiered system where if you make a change at the top, you should expect to see changes below. The Arctic is a great example of this and why so many climate researchers focus on that part of the world.

This episode brings back one of our first guests, Marisol Maddox (Senior Arctic Fellow, Dartmouth College) and a Zach Labe (Climate Scientist, and Graphical Wizard, at Climate Central). Our discussion covers national security concerns, biodiversity loss, the rate of change that we have been seeing, and what these changes mean as climate impacts in the rest of the world. Zach was also kind enough to showcase some of his graphical and storytelling skills toward the beginning of the episode to set the tone for us. 

Enjoy, and I hope this episode inspires you to look into these topics. 

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I almost decided to name this episode, "so this is why we can't have nice things." On our last episode, Doug Houseman and Mark Jacobson showed us what's possible albeit challenging from a technical perspective. This episode Eric Beightel (Federal Strategy Director, Environmental Science Associates) and Josh Kaplowitz (Senior Counsel, Troutman Pepper Locke LLP) walk us through grid decarbonization and renewables development from a legal and policy perspective. Simply put, our current regulatory models aren't made for this. But if you decide to rip it all down and start over (NEPA reference there), how do you make sure the new model is more up to the challenge?

We cover a lot in this episode, from the critical role of SCOTUS over the next four years, whether or not we are in an energy emergency (as defined historically), environmental assessments and stakeholdering as part of the permitting process, federalism, and "what you wish we could have done differently over the last four years". 

Josh and Eric have been right in the middle of this at the highest levels during the previous administration and are what I'd like to call objective optimists on the topic. I suggest watching the previous episode before you watch this one. Good policy should focus on technical challenges and look to improve timelines. 

Enjoy!

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For a project to be sustainable it must factor in the economic, social, and environmental impacts of its scope before its built, in order to minimize any detrimental impacts and maximize benefits. But backing up another step, for a project to be built at all, it must first have a handle on associated logistical constraints and how they factor into timelines and budgeting. 

My two guests this week are energy experts who have decades of experience around the world. Mark Jacobson (Director, Atmosphere/Energy Program at Stanford University) and Doug Houseman (Principal Consultant, 1898&Co) are as good as it gets, and both not afraid to lean into this topic. Mounting global climate impacts have driven a push for decarbonization. That's a gargantuan lift on many fronts. Both men acknowledge the challenges, but disagree at numerous points as to where we are and how to move forward. 

This was not an entirely comfortable conversation. That's OK, the best ones aren't. If we are going to try to effect positive changes in this space, we need to be willing to dig into the hard questions and start finding some solutions. 

I enjoyed this one and know you will too!

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In 2018 the US processed roughly 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW), or 4.9 pounds/person per day, which equates to an increase of 93% from 1980. Of that amount, 69 million tons were recycled and 25 million composted. In 2021 the US recycled 58.6 million tons of metals, iron, steel. These figures have only increased over the last few years, and project continued increases in coming years due to population growth. It is a massive problem and responsibility for those leading solid waste and scrap recycling facilities. Historically, many of these sort of facilities have also been sited in overburdened communities.

My guests this week, Dr. Jyoti Agarwal (Director of Environmental Programs, Reworld) and Andrew Cooley (Senior VP of Strategy, EMR USA) know these issues well, and dig into root causes, impacts, and drivers for the industry. Solid waste management is a crucial public health, environmental, and climate topic. This podcast was started to hear from multiple perspectives on these critical issues, and to learn from experts in each field. This week's episode is a great example of that mission. I learned a few things, and hope you all will as well. Enjoy!

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I start every EJ or climate talk that I give with a photo of my children. They are the reason why I am so passionate about all of this, they are why I do this work. The same can be said for many of those in environmental advocacy; over time it becomes a family affair, and we often see children joining efforts that their parents have worked on for decades. On the episode this week, I tell a story of late last year, I was moderating a panel in Chicago with Cheryl Johnson, daughter of Hazel Johnson (Mother of Environmental Justice). As I listened to Cheryl speak, I appreciated the fact that he stories and wisdom was coming from decades of experience. 

My guests this week are Maya and Anneke van Rossum (Delaware Riverkeeper Network). Maya is the founder of the Green Amendment movement, which has so far yielded green amendments in three states, with at least twenty more considering similar actions. Anneke is Maya's daughter and the Policy Director at Delaware Riverkeeper. As Maya and Anneke put it, "this is the people's fight for a clean, safe, and healthy environment. 

This one will make you think. As you listen, consider what may change if your state adopted a green amendment? 

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Climate change impacts are mounting across the world, and it has been difficult to watch. From cloud bursts, to drought, to stronger hurricanes, and longer heat waves, the economic and public health impacts are mounting and costing us all a lot more. The 2025 California wildfires alone are estimated to have cost $250B.

How do insurance companies factor in climate change? How do they incur rising associated costs? How do these rising impacts affect major project siting and development?

For this episode Chris was joined by Justin Roth (Associate Director - Catastrophe Analytics, Howden Re) and Michael Perron (Renewable Energy Market Lead, FM Renewable Energy). Justin and Mike offer a ton of great info in this episode but one of the key takeaways is that climate change is costing us more, no matter where you live, but proactively insuring for projected increased risk in your areas can be a really smart play. Rising insurance costs is also a major climate justice issue that does not get enough attention. 

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This week Chris was joined by James May (Distinguished Professor of Law, Washburn University) and Dana Johnson (Chief Movement Advisor, Strategic Movement Collective, LLC). The topic for this episode is environmental justice and dignity rights. Taping this made us think of the golden rule, you know the one that most of us learn around Kindergarten, "treat others as you want to be treated". Policy choices over decades have led to environmental justice areas and associated elevated health impacts. Objectively, there's just too much activity going on in these areas, with highways often built through the middle, amplifying the problem with mobile source emissions. 

There have been a flurry of changes at the federal level on EJ, but the main drivers for policy improvements are still state programs and community groups. Industry has an opportunity here to show that they understand these issues, and are taking tangible steps to reduce their impacts and maximize benefits to the community. To be a "good neighbor" means embracing these issues for the long haul, and objectively presenting environmental, economic, and social impacts to all major projects at the proposal stage. 

This episode is not always optimistic, not always easy to hear, but it is an important conversation with two experts in their fields. Enjoy. 

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Season 2!!!

As with last year, we are starting this season on climate change. There is no bigger issue that we discuss on these podcasts. The risks are real, the costs of impacts mounting, and our time for action is dwindling to avert surpassing tipping points that will do irrevocable harm. This is not a political issue, and it does not have to be a subjective one.  Objectively look at what the modeling is telling you and start making some informed decisions on long term planning.

For this episode, we are joined by two world renowned experts on climate change, Professor Sheila Foster (Columbia University) and Brian Barnes (Managing Director, South of 2 Degrees). We discuss quite a bit over the hour, but focus most on climate impacts, our current trajectory, climate migration, social tipping points, and climate anxiety. That's a lot of heavy topics, but somehow we managed to also end on a hopeful tone. 

I hope you enjoy!

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Yes, we did a 90 minute Season finale. You will thank me later.

I dedicated this episode to my mom, Lois Whitehead, who sadly passed away earlier this year from leukemia. During her professional career, for a time, she worked for a nonprofit in Trenton, NJ that addressed food insecurity issues and helped people get back on their feet. She taught me a great deal in 41 years, but this issue stands out as it was something we went back to often in the last couple years as I did more EJ work. She loved that I found my path, and I think a lot of the reason for that is I followed some of her work from years ago. I love you Mom.

We were thrilled to be joined by Smita Narula, Haub Distinguished Professor of International Law (Pace University) and Chef Aaron Mccargo Jr (Managing Partner, Flavor Frontier Development Group). 

Food insecurity is a pervasive global issue that is only getting worse due to increased climate change impacts. Smita does an outstanding job laying the groundwork for why this is occurring and Aaron does an inspiring job bringing it home for us and providing local solutions. 

I am tremendously proud of this discussion and hopeful for where it may lead. Enjoy!
 

Professor Smita Narula’s faculty page, and scholarship. 

The National Right to Food Community of Practice: https://www.righttofoodus.org/

La Via Campesina: a transnational movement to advance food sovereignty

Aaron's Food Innovation Center Project in Camden, NJ!

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No matter what your climate goals look like, where your project is located, or who is in office at the time, your project will not happen if the financing is not in order. Projects have to make money, and have to usually incur levels of risk through development. Whether a clean energy startup or billion dollar offshore wind developer, there is great opportunity right now, but also great risk, and fluctuations in supply chain, interest rates, and other outside forces, can directly impact your project. 

For this episode, Chris was joined by Jonathan Kennedy (Chief Development Officer, Clean Energy Terminals), and John May (Managing Director, Hamilton Clark Sustainable Capital, Inc). Both are attempting to be first movers in critical aspects of decarbonization. Perhaps even more shocking than the fact that Chris didn't mess up John vs Jonathan for an hour, is potential benefit to our economy from developing these projects. John May also discusses smart steps like technology insurance, that should help derisk many projects. 

Enjoy!

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One of the topics that I have been asked about most over the last few years from community members is how they can get their own community air monitoring. Many are concerned over possible contamination in their air, and want to see improvements. As we often say, their lived experiences are the ultimate screening tool. They know if there's a problem. There is a direct link between air contamination and health impacts, and objective tools like ambient air monitors can help inform policy choices which will ultimately equate to lower emissions.

My guests this episode, Eben Cross (Chief Science Office and Co-Founder, QuantAQ) and Darren Riley (Co-Founder and CEO, JustAir Solutions), are experts on this topic. I pose a role play to them where I am a concerned community member and they walk me through what's involved and why this is so important. My hope is that this sort of information may help communities in need apply for grant support to get these monitors in place. There is great potential for collaboration in this space.

Show Notes/Suggested Resources

• EPA 
  • Webinar Series on Community Air Monitoring Fundamentals 
• NIEHS 
  • Partnerships for Environmental Public Health (PEPH) Webinar Series on Community Air Monitoring 
• Bay Air Center
  Defining an Air Monitoring Objective by Asking the Right Questions – Worksheet
  •  Designing a Community Scale Air Monitoring Project
  •  Placement of Air Monitoring Devices
•  There's also the Thriving Communities Grantmakers Subgrant program which will go live for most regions any day now (supposed to be Fall 2024).  This program is designed to be lower-overhead, faster-turn to resources at the $75-350k/project funding level.
  
  Community Change Grant  link to that unprecedented $2B program 

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Anyone who has listened to past episodes likely knows that I am an offshore wind (OSW) energy advocate. I am a renewable energy advocate, and I am an advocate for smart answers to complex problems.

There is no better example than the need to urgently modernize our transmission systems. My guests for this week, are Theodore Paradise (Energy Partner at K & L Gates) and Dane Pehrman (Director of Strategy & Growth - Power and New Energy, Worley Consulting). Both men have been working on major energy and transmission projects for decades, both are leaders in the OSW industry, and both are incredibly sharp minds that understand logistical constraints and critical project processes. 

Our transmission infrastructure is well past its useful life, undersized for modern needs, has not been maintained well, and is not designed to support multi-sourced renewable energies. Dane and Theodore cover an astounding amount of information in 49 minutes, taking us from Grid 101 to the intricacies and cost models for upgrading. We also focus on the need for cross state collaboration on this issue and spend some time looking forward to an upcoming RFP in New England. 

Critical issue and really fun episode. 

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Environmental Justice communities are diverse collections of perspectives, concerns, and drivers. No two are identical, but there are some common themes that most share. Love of their culture, protection of their communities and children, and concern that our planning systems have not historically taken their views into equal account when making decisions that would affect the community. Community leaders are the EJ experts. Outside expertise can come in to play a role but no one should mistake the fact that the people in these communities know this better than the rest of us. 

This week Chris was joined by Naomi Davis, Founder and CEO of Blacks in Green, and Robert Weinstock, Director of the Environmental Advocacy Center at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. Both are at the forefront of critical EJ issues in the city and both were directly involved in the landmark HUD zoning case that everyone heard about a few years ago. They each come from different perspectives but each is a passionate story teller and brilliant mind when it comes to these issues.

Enjoy!

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For this episode Chris was joined by Rebecca Karp (CEO and Founder) and Ali-Sutherland Brown (Principal) from Karp Strategies. 

Chris recalls, "I first met Rebecca through the offshore wind space a few years ago when we were both presenting at the International Partnering Forum (IPF) event in Atlantic City, NJ. I was immediately struck by her expertise, her ability to connect with local communities, and understand multiple drivers affecting that community."

On this episode we discuss at length a few major issues affecting modern city planning and sustainability efforts; workforce development, climate change impacts, community partnership, stumbling blocks and challenges to renewables development, and more. Somehow we cover a ton in the hour and it felt like chatting with friends over coffee. Ali and Rebecca are great, and the first time all season that I invited two experts from the same company. We did that to show that even within one firm, differing perspectives can flourish and benefit projects. 

Cities will play an increasingly critical role in our society in coming years, but they will also be faced with incredible logistic challenges and constraints. Smart planning now based on projected impacts helps to equitably alleviate those future constraints.

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For this episode Chris was joined by Sarah Henderson (Scientific Director, British Columbia Centers for Disease Control) and Christine Wiedinmyer (Associate Director of Science at Cires at the University of Colorado Boulder). Chris went heavy on the graphics and visuals during his intro this time because wildfire is such a visceral issue. Annual acreage burned is rising each year, insurance costs are a huge problem that not enough people are addressing, and air quality impacts from wildfire smoke are substantial. 

It seems like many of the east coast of the US woke up to this issue when their skies were darkened multiple times in 2023 by Canadian wildfire smoke. Perhaps this is due to the level of change that would be needed to cause such an effect? I say this every time, but this episode made me feel smarter on these issues, made me have more questions, and made me wonder what coming years would look like? Turns out that Sarah and Christine have pretty nifty modeling programs that can help answer many of those questions. They are two brilliant leaders, enjoy. 

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For this episode, Chris was joined by two colleagues to continue a discussion that the three of them started over breakfast in Minneapolis earlier this year. Michael Jung, Government Affairs & Public Policy at Modern Hydrogen, and Madeline Urbish, Orsted Head of Public Affairs for the Americas Region, both live these issues every day. Our climate is changing, impacts are stacking up, the cost of business is rising (as is associated uncertainties), and most importantly, health impacts are expected to also rise...unless we do something about it.

But these are really heavy issues and progress can be difficult to see at times. I'd like to list Hannah Ritchie's "Six Things to Keep in Mind" from her excellent book, Not the End of the World. Thanks Maddie for the great recommendation.

1. We face big and important environmental challenges
2. The fact that our environmental issues aren't humanity's largest existential risk doesn't mean we shouldn't work on them.
3. You will have to hold multiple thoughts at the same time.
4. None of this is inevitable, but it is possible.
5. We cannot afford to be complacent.
6. You are not alone in this.

It was a fantastic discussion among friends, hearing from two people who know this stuff darn well, and who are actively trying every day to do difficult legacy projects, and make a positive impact. That's laudable and I hope you enjoy what they had to say. 

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The Supreme Court in the US (SCOTUS) ended their last term with an absolute flurry of important environmental cases that focused on the role of administrative law in managing these issues. I nearly became an environmental layer eons ago before I went into consulting. I work with them often and was fortunate this episode to sit down with two of the best, J. Michael Showalter (Partner, ArentFox Schiff) and Tanya Nesbitt (Partner, Thompson Hine).

These are complex environmental cases that will affect policy for years to come, and they offer insight towards how the Court may rule in their next term. This is a rare opportunity to get a 46 minute Cliff Notes version of a lot of critical environmental law. Listen in, you'll feel smarter afterward, and likely have a lot more questions. I know I did. Enjoy!

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ESG is a hot button issue for some, but executives see it as a risk mitigation and environmental stewardship question. Cut back all of the noise and fundamental questions remain on how climate change impacts will affect business and its relationship with local communities.

Few are more well-versed in these issues than Matthew Sekol (Microsoft) and Christine Uri (ESG for In-House Counsel). Chris was thrilled to be joined by both experts in this episode. It was a jam-packed hour where we discussed;
- How companies look at ESG and how that has changed over the last 5-10 years,
- Effects of greenwashing,
- Carbon offsets,
- The affects of AI on ESG,
and much more.

Also Matt and Christine had extensive resource ideas to share with our viewers.

Christine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christineuri/recent-activity/all/ 

Matt:
 

ESG Insider from S&P Global's Sustainable1: Covers the latest news and interviews ESG and sustainability leaders

PwC Accounting Podcast: covers regulations, deconstructs ESG sectors, very useful

ESG Now from MSCI: Short, covers news and trends against their research

Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith: This is an ESG podcast with a technology slant, but Smith doesn't know it

Environmental Professionals Radio (EPR): Get inspired by hearing from sustainability and climate change practitioners!

ESG Mindset is available wherever books are sold. Listeners can get 20% off “ESG Mindset” if they use code ESGM20 at koganpage.com. 

My newsletter is available at https://esgadvocate.substack.com

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For this episode Chris was joined by Department of Energy expert Kelly Crawford and Dr. Tony Reames (University of Michigan and formerly of DOE). Kelly and Tony are pretty much as good as it gets on energy justice topics, and their decades of experience and passion for the issues shine through in this episode.

We discuss new DOE programs, climate adaptation and mitigation, and energy disparities between EJ areas and non-EJ areas. I love speaking to each of them for their intellect on these topics but also just the sense of hope for being able to provide cleaner more efficient environments for those in need. 

This was an incredibly fun and inspiring episode to tape, and as always, we learned quite a bit. We hope you will as well.

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For this episode Chris was joined by Eugene McGrane (Executive Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield) and John Thomas (President, The Mount Group and the CDRA) to discuss building decarbonization and sustainability in the construction industry. We started there but the discussion took a turn and then focused on how to effectively complete major projects in complex regulatory settings. Between the two of them Eugene and John have about a zillion years of experience, and that comes through clearly as they each discuss what they have been seeing from their parts of the industry. 

As always, I learned a lot from doing this episode, and I think you will too. 

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For this episode Chris was joined by Jeremy Orr (Director of Litigation and Advocacy Partnerships, Earthjustice) and Sean Moriarty (Director of Strategic Regulatory Affairs, Archer Public Affairs).  Both men are leaders in their states on EJ and environmental topics, and helped advance critical legislation that is now shaping the discussion. 

Our discussion touched on a lot of issues, including;

• EJ policy development
• Being a first mover on complex topics
• Water policy
• Lived experience
• The efforts of EJ advocates who have been at this for decades
• Objective ways to reduce public health impacts in EJ areas

I respect the hell out of Jeremy and Sean and thank them both for a great discussion and their continued leadership. Hope you enjoy, and be sure as always to listen to the end for their tips on further educational resources. The video of this episode is available on our YouTube channel. 

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Chris Whitehead sits down with Rebecca Bratspies, a professor at CUNY School of Law where she runs the Center for Urban Environmental Reform, and Thomas Abdallah, the Vice President of Environmental Services at MTA Construction and Development Agency. Their work surrounding sustainable transportation development is crucial to the larger conversation as a large percentage of greenhouse gasses come from the transportation sector. With New York City leading the country with initiatives in climate and sustainability, it is great to listen to their perspectives on congestion pricing, climate impacts, and the NYC Environmental Justice plan.

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For this episode we are joined by Abby Watson (President and Co-Founder of The Groundwire Group) and Professor Raphael Heffron (University of Pau and Adour Countries (France)) to discuss energy justice. Abby and Raphael are well-known for their innovative thought leadership on energy issues. 

Our discussion started around objective realities of cost and reliability always coming first, but then stemmed off to multiple areas of progress around the world in taking on these very challenging topics. Renewables can and should take a much larger chunk of our energy profile over time, and that makeup will vary depending on geography and support structures. 

It was a great discussion and be sure to listen to the end to hear their recommendations for future educational resources on these issues. 

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In our first two episodes we covered climate change and environmental justice issues. I hope they filled you with a sense of wanting to do something about it. The "doing something about it" on a policy end takes time, and having a sound economic model (or models) included is imperative. 

Join us for a fun discussion with Dr. Ken Richards of the University of Indiana and the Gnarly Tree Sustainability Institute. Dr. Richards is the Fullbright Canada Research Chair in Environmental Policy through the University of Ottawa and a world-renowned expert on environmental economics and various tax models. He regularly works with the World Bank, IMF, and countless countries around the world.  Ken is a professor by trade, an engineer and attorney by training, and a great objective but passionate voice on these issues. I always enjoy our chats and walk away learning quite a bit and wanting to learn even more.

Enjoy!

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Environmental justice work has become my passion. After working technically in air quality for over 16 years, and projecting the potential impact of the New Jersey EJ Law, I began to see EJ issues almost everywhere I looked. The data is clear and so is the lived experiences of citizens living in overburdened communities, which act as a clear indicator of potential problems in those areas. 

Join me, Arielle King and Julius Redd as we discuss some of the most pressing current EJ issues and drivers, historical ones like the Flint water crisis, and how EJ has progressed over the last few years.

Further Suggested Educational Resources
Arielle King's EJ Resources List - WORD file available upon request (chris.whitehead@worley.com) 
Julius Redd - https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/federal-resources-environmental-justice 

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Chris Whitehead sits down with Andy Bochman, Senior Grid Strategist from Idaho National Labs and Marisol Maddox (Sr Artic Analyst from the Woodrow Wilson Institute.

Topics covered: Climate change tipping points, health impacts, climate justice, national security and supply chain implications, and infrastructure.

Andy and Marisol's tips for other opportunities tp learn more on these topics:

America Adapts: https://www.americaadapts.org/
Adapt: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/adapt-climate-change-and-the-built-9MZVH0Le81P/
Skeptical Scientist: https://skepticalscience.com/
Global Wierdling: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi6RkdaEqgRVKi3AzidF4ow
Elisabeth Kolbert: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/climate-one/id296762605?i=1000651516989 

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Hosted by Chris Whitehead.

Climate change and environmental justice are two of the largest drivers in environmental regulation and sustainable development. This podcast will bring together subject matter experts on major topics to discuss these issues and how we potentially avoid major problems going forward. The first episode will be released on April 15 with further episodes following every two weeks thereafter. The format of each episode will be similar; opening monologue from me, introducing the SMEs then approximately 45 minutes of discussion and challenging each other on the topics. I decided to begin with climate change and EJ to highlight the fact that they affect so many other issues, and must be considered early. 

This podcast is not about me, not about the SMEs on each episode, but about the issues and what can be accomplished by having challenging conversations. 

I hope you join us. 

Upcoming episodes by topic, release date, and SMEs confirmed to participate. 

• April 15, 2024 - Climate – Andy Bochman (Sr Grid Strategist and Infrastructure Defender, Idaho National Laboratory) and Marisol Maddox (Sr Artic Analyst, The Wilson Center)
• EJ – Julius Redd (Principal, Beveridge and Diamond) and Arielle King (EJ educator and Strategist)
• Energy Transition – Tony Reames, PhD (Professor, University of Michigan) and Kelly Crawford (Sr Advisor, Energy and EJ, US DOE)
• Energy Transition/Justice – Raphael Heffron (Distinguished Professor, University of Pau and Adour Countries) and Abby Watson (Founder and President, Groundwire Strategies)
• OSW – Dane Pehrman (Offshore Wind Market Director, Worley Consulting) and Local Union Leadership
• NYC (EJ/planning/sustainability)– Rebecca Bratspies (Professor, CUNY School of Law) and Tom Abdallah (VP and Chief Environmental Engineer, NYC MTA)
• EJ legal – Tanya Nesbitt (Partner, Thompson Hine LLP) and Mike Showalter (Partner, Arent Fox Schiff)
• Economic Development and Urban Planning– Rebecca Karp (CEO and Founding Principal) and Ali-Sutherland Brown (Principal) (Karp Strategies) 
• Ambient Air Monitoring/EJ – Eben Cross (Chief Science Officer, QuantAq) and Marc Hudock (Sr VP, Air Logics)
• State EJ programs and special issues: Sean Moriarty (Director of Public Affairs, Archer Public Affairs) and Jeremy Orr (Director of Litigation and Advocacy Partnerships, Earthjustice)
• Sustainable Building Practices - Eugene McGrane (Executive Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield) and John Thomas (President, Mount Materials and the Construction and Demolition Recycling Association) 

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