In Our Backyard Podcast

Today’s episode takes us to Northampton County, North Carolina, where a quiet but critical debate is heating up over the future of farmland and solar energy.On April 7, 2025, community advocates Sylvia Vincent, Debbie Davis, and Alfred Kwasikpui presented a powerful case to the Northampton County Commissioners. Their message? That insufficient limits on solar farm expansion are threatening the county’s agricultural heritage, local economy, and environmental health, contradicting the very goals laid out in the Northampton County 2040 Comprehensive Plan.Northampton County leads the state in peanut production and is second in cotton. Agriculture isn't just a way of life here, it’s the backbone of the economy. But with over a dozen large-scale solar farms already operating or approved and more on the way, residents are sounding the alarm about lost farmland, pressured landowners, and long-term environmental concerns. Not to mention, most of these solar farms are going to power large scale data centers like Facebook, not even benefiting the local community.In today’s episode, we’ll unpack:The clash between renewable energy development and farmland preservationConcerns over land use, decommissioning, and soil restorationThe role of industry influence and the need for independent oversightAnd, most importantly, what this means for rural communities across the U.S.This is a conversation about balance, how we embrace clean energy without sacrificing the communities and landscapes that feed us. So, let’s explore the voices, facts, and stakes behind the push for responsible solar farm limits in Northampton County.I split this episode into two parts, since it was so long. So make sure to come back in two weeks for part two. Contact and connect: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] Northampton County Against Solar Farms: https://abc11.com/sun-solar-panels-energy/1122081/ https://www.personalized.energy/blog/northampton-implements-temporary-ban-on-solar-farms/#:~:text=In%20response%20to%20the%20public,the%20scope%20of%20their%20authority.

Today, I’m talking with Cindy Lowry, who is the Executive Director of the Alabama Rivers Alliance.For over 25 years, the Alabama Rivers Alliance has been a powerful voice for the protection and restoration of Alabama’s incredible rivers, a network of waterways that are not only vital to the region’s ecology but also home to some of the richest aquatic biodiversity in the country. From the shimmering banks of the Coosa River to the lush wetlands teeming with unique fish, mussels, and other species.Cindy shares the Alliance’s inspiring founding story and how it grew into a statewide coalition of over 100 partner organizations, all working together to protect clean water for all. We’ll explore key programs like the Water Infrastructure Resource Hub, designed to support communities with sustainable water solutions.We’ll also hear about the challenges and victories in balancing hydropower energy needs with restoring natural river flows, a complex effort critical to both people and wildlife. Contact and connect with Cindy: [email protected] ARA: https://alabamarivers.org/ DRIFT Fund: https://alabamarivers.org/drift/

Today we’re diving into the work of Root Local, an organization on a mission to cultivate sustainability at the neighborhood level across Metro Atlanta.Joining us are two voices at the heart of this movement — Jamie Lee Perkins Dalton, Executive Director of Root Local, and Butch Whitfield, a Founding Board Member. Together, they’re helping communities grow greener, more connected, and more resilient — one project, one pollinator, one partnership at a time.In this conversation, we unpack Root Local’s approach to sustainability, the strategy behind their Eco-Map of Metro Atlanta — also known as EMMA — and the growth of their innovative Pollinator Network. We also hear some real-world success stories, explore what’s next for the organization, and learn how everyday people can plug in and make a difference.So whether you're a longtime advocate for local sustainability or just curious about what's growing in your backyard, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Let’s get into it.Contact and connect: [email protected] and [email protected] Root Local: https://rootlocal.org/ EMMA: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c0b04d84d6194a898cfc5ff4c71ac2d0/ 

Today, we’re diving into the world of environmental health and clean water with a leader whose work is improving lives—especially the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable.Our guest is Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, the Senior Director of Environmental Health and Water Quality at RTI International—a nonprofit institute committed to delivering the promise of science for global good. Jennifer is also the founding director of RTI’s CleanPlus® portfolio, which includes the award-winning Clean Water for Carolina Kids™ program. Under her leadership, this initiative has received national recognition for innovation, impact, and community partnership, including the EBJ Business Achievement Award for Project Merit and the Mutual of America Community Partnership Award.In this conversation, we’ll talk with Jennifer about RTI’s mission and reach, her work to protect communities from harmful contaminants like PFAS and lead, and why her team is focused on ensuring clean water access—starting with children in schools and childcare centers.We’ll also explore what utility companies can do to reduce exposure, how environmental health trends are evolving, and how you can support and connect with this important work.Contact and connect with Jennifer: [email protected] RTI International: https://www.rti.org/focus-area/RTI-CleanPlus-environmental-testing  Hold My Beer Study: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.4c11265 

Mairah Clay who is the Southern WV Coordinator and Autumn Crowe who is the Deputy Director of WV Rivers.Many West Virginians are taking a stand against the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Communities across the state are voicing their opposition to a project they say threatens fragile ecosystems, endangers clean water sources, and disregards Indigenous and rural land rights. With the rugged beauty of Appalachia at stake, West Virginians are fighting back—demanding a transition to cleaner energy and a future that protects both people and the land they call home.A report from West Virginia Rivers Coalition and Downstream Strategies highlighted that 88% of the 139 stream crossings and 89% of the 61 wetland crossings by the MVP in West Virginia were negatively impacted, with 14 stream crossings showing severe decreases in channel stability .​In March 2025, a federal court invalidated a key water permit for the MVP, emphasizing the project's detrimental effects on West Virginia's rivers and streams. This decision was celebrated by environmental groups as a significant step in protecting the state's water resources from further harm.Contact and connect with Mariah and Autumn: [email protected] and [email protected] WV Rivers: https://wvrivers.org/ MVP Story Map & Petition: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/05ae21f465af43509d576338119b29adMVP Audit Report: https://wvrivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MVP-November-2024-Audit-Report.pdf

Sara Heilman is Energy Policy Coordinator with NC Warn. We talk about the work that NC Warn does throughout North Carolina and how they are primarily a watchdog organization for what Duke Energy is doing in the state. We focus on how the town of Carrboro is suing Duke Energy. This is the first lawsuit against an electric utility for deceiving the public about the dangers from burning fossil fuels. Duke Energy leaders have known since the 1960s that fossil fuels are warming the planet, and instead of taking action, they’ve stalled climate action by spewing misinformation about the ties between climate change and fossil fuel use. Duke Energy needs to be held accountable! You can amplifying this historic lawsuit by:Posting on social media. Check out this toolkit for sample posts, graphics, and links to resources, and follow us @SueDukeEnergy on all platforms.Sending an email to Duke Energy CEO Lynn Good demanding she change course.Signing your organization on to a letter demanding Duke Energy ditch fossil fuels.Check out the press release and complaint, and coverage in the New York Times, Washington Post, Guardian, NPR, and more. To stay up to date on the lawsuit go to SueDukeEnergy.org.

Lib Hutchby is a member of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom in the Triangle Branch, Raging Grannies, Frack Free UNC, and NC Environmental Network.In Chapel Hill, NC, local residents are rallying against a coal-fired power plant owned by UNC Chapel Hill, as well as a nearby Duke Energy gas build outs. Several community groups are also actively working to promote environmental sustainability by hosting events like World Water Day and attending public hearings.Recently, UNC submitted a proposal to burn packaging materials and plastics, turning them into pellets to be used as fuel in their coal plant. While this 12-month trial period might reduce some emissions compared to the plant’s current fuel, burning these pellets could also increase levels of nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide. On top of that, the pellets contain small amounts of PFAS, or "forever chemicals," which are notoriously harmful.However, thanks in part to the efforts of Chapel Hill's local groups, UNC has withdrawn its application. This victory is a testament to the power of community action in protecting the environment.Contact and connect with Lib: [email protected]   Pellet testing: https://chapelboro.com/news/unc/no-more-coal-chapel-hill-prepares-for-hearing-on-uncs-co-gen-plant-and-potential-new-fuel-source

Dr. Elizabeth Hessami, who is a licensed attorney. She has served as a visiting attorney for the Environmental Law Institute for nearly a decade, researching post-conflict natural resources management and specializing in armed conflict and the environment. As well as my professor at Johns Hopkins. We talked at the end of last year and since then, Trump was sworn in as President of the United States again. On January 20th at his Inauguration Speech, President Trump stated “drill baby drill” expressing his interest to increase the US’s exploitation and drilling of fossil fuels. He is also a notorious climate change denier. So it comes to no surprise that nationally and internationally there are policies that the Trump Administration will be implementing or receding, - like withdrawing out of the Paris Climate Agreement, that will have an effect on not only the climate globally, but also on international security and relations With Dr Hessami we specifically talk about the critical minerals deal with Ukraine - to give an overview, The initial deal called for Ukraine to use its mineral resources to repay the United States $500 billion for military aid previously provided. The agreed upon framework does not designate the rights of $500 billion worth of minerals revenues to the United States nor does it include a security guarantee for Ukraine. Rather, the agreement establishes a reconstruction investment fund with joint U.S. and Ukraine ownership. Ukraine will contribute 50 percent of all revenues earned from the future monetization of all Ukrainian government-owned natural resource assets into the fund.We also discuss how to stay hopeful and actions we can take ourselves during these changing times.I also want to note that we recorded this on February 21st of this year before any further meetings and talks between Trump and Zelynskyy happened.Contact and connect with Dr. Hessami: [email protected] Sources:https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/26/europe/ukraine-us-mineral-resources-deal-explained-intl-latam/index.htmlhttps://www.csis.org/analysis/breaking-down-us-ukraine-minerals-deal

Sweden has figured out recycling. This shows, as they are the highest recyclers in the world. To talk about recycling we also have to mention all streams of waste - not just the products that are eligible to be recycled. In fact,only 1% of Sweden's trash goes into a landfill. Just to reiterate, 99% of Sweden’s waste is recycled! 52% is burned and converted into energy and then the remaining 47% is recycled and given another life.Recycling is simply a way of life in Sweden. It is ingrained in the culture and taught to kids at a very young age. Literature says, culture is a huge factor that drives sustainable development - it starts with the mindset of the people. So Sweden is a progressive leader to know this kind of change starts with youth. Sweden has strict laws and regulations that not only aid in recycling and recyclability of products, but make it so that certain products aren’t manufactured, packaged, or imported in the first place to end up in the wastestream. They also highly encourage citizens to firstly reduce and reuse before recycling. Recycling is just an initial step to work towards climate goals and sustainability. It’s not the end all be all for the climate, but such a foundational place to start. Changing our everyday habits and behavior is where this change will happen and I believe Sweden is leading the way. 4 Main Ways Sweden Accomplishes 1% of Waste in Landfills: Education to CitizensSocial Systems in PlaceExtended Producer Responsibility LawWaste-To-Energy Model  Sources:https://unece.org/sustainable-energy/about-methane-management-0https://www.svenskplastatervinning.se/en/about-plastic-recycling/https://www.worldcleanupday.org/country/sweden#:~:text=Hela%20Sverige%20plockar%20skr%C3%A4p%202024,sustainable%20and%20litter%20free%20world!&text=On%20this%20day%2C%20Keep%20Sweden,all%20the%20litter%20we%20see.

Steph Gans is an EJ Organizer for Clean Water for North Carolina. Clean Water for North Carolina’s mission is to promote clean, safe water and environments, and empower communities for all North Carolinians through advocacy, outreach, education, and technical assistance.With Steph we talk about the multiple natural gas build outs and data centers proposed in North Carolina, specifically how it will affect communities, rate payers, and land owners. We also talk about pollution accountability, tools they offer, and motivation for continuing to work towards environmental justice.Contact and connect:[email protected] https://cwfnc.org