Volts

Veteran climate activist Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org, and Jamie Henn, co-founder of the same organization and founder of Fossil Free Media, discuss the future of clean energy activism. They celebrate the global rise of solar power as not just an energy source but a symbol of freedom. The duo explores effective grassroots strategies, the importance of communication in the clean energy narrative, and how solar initiatives can transform industries and empower communities. They also highlight the thrilling community engagement in the movement.

Join Frank Rambo, founder of the Horizon Climate Initiative and a former senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, as he dives into the controversial practice of 'uneconomic dispatch.' He discusses how utilities can get away with running costly coal plants despite cheaper alternatives. The conversation also highlights the Trump administration's misleading 'reliability' claims to bolster coal. Rambo emphasizes the importance of tackling these issues at the state level for a cleaner environment and lower consumer costs.

Jake Higdon, a former senior advisor at the Department of Energy, and Isabel Munilla, former deputy secretary focused on critical minerals, delve into the complexities of FEOC standards. They discuss the precarious balance of enhancing domestic supply chains while addressing security risks. Insights reveal how recent Republican budget actions threaten these initiatives. The conversation highlights the urgent need for clear regulations in clean energy and explores international partnerships for resilient supply chains, especially amid rising tensions with China.

Jigar Shah, a clean energy entrepreneur and investor, shares his insights on climate policy and economic equity. He argues for a pivotal shift in the climate movement towards addressing everyday cost-of-living issues rather than just focusing on high-tech solutions. Shah emphasizes the importance of integrating energy policy with socioeconomic challenges and advocates for smart finance as a means to scale the energy transition effectively. The discussion also critiques current policies while exploring innovative funding solutions and the role of community engagement in driving real change.

Alon Levy, co-founder of NYU's Transit Costs Project, delves into the staggering expense of U.S. transit construction compared to global counterparts. He highlights how countries like Spain and Italy achieve efficiency through in-house expertise and standardized designs, contrasting with the costly privatization ideology seen here. Levy discusses strategies to bring ambitious projects, like high-speed rail in the Northeast, within reach, advocating for empowered civil servants and the adoption of international best practices to combat bureaucratic fragmentation.

Missy Stults, Ann Arbor's Director of Sustainability and Innovations, is championing a groundbreaking municipal utility focused on renewable energy. She discusses the intricacies of creating a Sustainable Energy Utility, including the collaboration with DTE and innovative funding strategies. Topics dive into challenges like outdated infrastructure and balancing community needs with sustainable practices. Stults also highlights the importance of community involvement and the potential impacts of these initiatives on wider energy policy and climate goals.

Mitch Lee, Co-founder and CEO of ARC, dives into the exciting world of electric boats. He explains how these vessels outshine gas-powered ones with their near-silent operation and impressive torque. Safety is a key topic, as electric boats reduce fire risk and offer advanced monitoring systems. Lee also discusses the future of innovation in battery technology and luxurious models, like the $300,000 Arc Sport. The podcast highlights the advantages of charging at marinas, making electric boating not only eco-friendly but also an exceptional experience.

Kostantsa Rangelova and Dave Jones, energy researchers and authors of a groundbreaking Ember report, unveil the impressive decline in solar-plus-storage costs, making it a competitive player against traditional energy sources like nuclear and gas. They discuss the surprising lag in industry adoption, rapid technological improvements, and the global shift away from natural gas. The pair also highlight the integration of solar and storage in various sectors, showcasing its transformative impact on energy reliability and costs. This conversation sheds light on a sustainable energy future.

Dive into the controversial 'Big Beautiful Bill' and its fallout on the Inflation Reduction Act. Experts dissect the implications for police and healthcare, while reflecting on the evolving climate politics. Key provisions of energy tax credits are examined, revealing bipartisan support amidst new supply chain challenges. The discussion navigates legislative outcomes and their impact on clean energy incentives, offering insights into the future of climate policy and advocacy strategies.

Montana state senators Forrest Mandeville and Ellie Boldman dive into the state's impressive bipartisan housing reforms, labeled the 'Montana miracle.' They discuss the unique coalition behind these changes and how they are tackling the state's escalating housing crisis. The senators explore generational divides in housing perspectives, why some argue 'housing is the new weed,' and the critical balance between local control and state mandates. The conversation highlights the ongoing challenges and successes in making affordable housing a reality for Montanans.