Explores how small and mid-sized cities are tackling climate change and moving toward an equitable and sustainable future.
Co-hosted by Abby Finis and Larry Kr...
Crookston is a 7000+ person community in the northwest corner of Minnesota that has big ambitions to improve the life of its residents by leveraging the clean energy transition. We interview City Council Member Tim Lenard, Exec. Director of Crookston Housing Development Karie Kirshbaum, Exec. Director of NW MN Regional Sustainable Development Program Shannon Stassen, and John Vaughn, Â Fresh Energy's Managing Director of Community Development to learn about the Empower Crookston effort and how it spawned an I Love Crookston program.ResourcesEmpower Crookston websiteCity of Crookston websiteMinnesota information on local climate action grantsFresh Energy website
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54:30
Equity in Energy
The negative impacts of the fossil-fuel based energy system and policies have disproportionately harmed and burdened low-income and BIPOC communities. As we transition to a clean energy economy, how do we make sure that what we put in place is equitable and just? We interview Michelle Vigen Ralston, Principal and Founder at Common Spark Consulting, about the work her team does with cities, counties, advocates, and other organizations to facilitate the creation of equitable energy policy.ResourcesCommon Spark websiteTrainings mentionedJemez principles
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51:59
Youngstown OH: Electric bike share
YoGo BikeShare is launching a new 100% e-bike micro-mobility platform in Youngstown, a city of about 60,000 in population. We interview YoGo President Ronnel Elkins and VP of Operations Corey Patrick, and learn about their vision, the obstacles they've faced, and how the service will address the first and last mile problem of public transportation.Resources:YoGo websiteBikeshare in Youngstown gets rolling - article in The Vindicator‘These are your bikes:’ City celebrates start of YoGo Bikeshare in Youngstown article in Mahoning Matters
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47:32
Maine: Heat Pumps Everywhere!
There's a heat pump revolution happening in Maine. Already over 100,000 of the 600,000 homes in Maine have heat pumps, and their plan is to be over 300,000 by 2027. One out of every 14 heat pumps in the U.S. is going to Maine, though it is only 0.42% of the US's population. We talk to Andy Meyer, Senior Program Manager at Efficiency Maine, to learn how they've done it, and how it's saving Maine residents a lot of money, even in a cold-weather climate.ResourceEfficiency Maine website
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52:29
Lincoln NE: Comprehensive Climate Action in the Heartland
Lincoln Nebraska may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of climate action, but maybe it should be. We interview Kim Morrow, Chief Sustainability Officer for Lincoln, about some exciting city programs, including EV infrastructure, an innovative approach to Rental Rehabilitation using Tax Increment Financing (TIF), heat pump rebates, and biochar as well as their efforts on the EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants.  ResourcesResilient Lincoln web page (Resilient Lincoln is the name of the Mayor's priority initiative that involves implementing the Climate Action Plan)Lincoln's Vision for a Climate-Smart Future (this is the background study behind the Climate Action Plan)Climate Action PlanEV Readiness PlanPress release regarding the Rental Rehabilitation ProgramHeat pump incentive programPress release announcing the programHeat pump incentive program web pageLincoln Electric System Sustainable Energy ProgramLincoln Biochar InitiativeLocal Food Plan
Explores how small and mid-sized cities are tackling climate change and moving toward an equitable and sustainable future.
Co-hosted by Abby Finis and Larry Kraft.
USA