Chris Clarke delves into the controversial final programmatic environmental impact statement for the western Solar Plan, revealing the potential ecological damage from vast solar developments across 11 states. Despite personal support and advocacy for solar power, Clarke critiques the plan's sprawling approach and highlights a more sustainable alternative that might surprise you. The episode emphasizes the urgent need for smarter solar deployment to mitigate climate change without sacrificing crucial desert ecosystems. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis and a compelling argument for better planning in renewable energy projects. 

• Chris Clarke's Email Newsletter: Letters from the Desert

• USGS Land Use Data: https://www.usgs.gov/news/estimates-areal-extent-us-parking-lots-now-available

• Western Solar Plan:** (Extensive documentation on the 2024 and 2012 Western Solar Plans for context on the policy discussed.) https://blmsolar.anl.gov/solar-peis-2023/ 

Listeners are encouraged to tune into this informative episode to gain deeper insights into solar energy policies, their environmental impacts, and the potential for intellige

Chris Clarke delves into the controversial final programmatic environmental impact statement for the western Solar Plan, revealing the potential ecological damage from vast solar developments across 11 states. Despite personal support and advocacy for solar power, Clarke critiques the plan's sprawling approach and highlights a more sustainable alternative that might surprise you. The episode emphasizes the urgent need for smarter solar deployment to mitigate climate change without sacrificing crucial desert ecosystems. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis and a compelling argument for better planning in renewable energy projects. • Chris Clarke's Email Newsletter: <a href="https://lettersfromthedesert.substack.com">Letters from the Desert</a> 
• USGS Land Use Data: https://www.usgs.gov/news/estimates-areal-extent-us-parking-lots-now-available
• Western Solar Plan:** (Extensive documentation on the 2024 and 2012 Western Solar Plans for context on the policy discussed.) <a href="https://blmsolar.anl.gov/solar-peis-2023/">https://blmsolar.anl.gov/solar-peis-2023/ </a>
Listeners are encouraged to tune into this informative episode to gain deeper insights into solar energy policies, their environmental impacts, and the potential for intellige

Join Chris Clarke and a variety of guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

Join Chris Clarke and a variety of guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

Vital info on protecting our irrepaceable deserts

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

It's not a real desert hike unless you get thirsty. Unless your skin gets punctured by an innocent-looking plant. Unless you have a close encounter with a nervous venomous critter. The desert is alive, and it will defend itself. And we will help. 90 Miles From Needles brings you stories from far out in the American outback: a land unlike any other that is both intense and subtle, that has endured for eons in the harshest conditions imaginable but which could go away in a heartbeat if we act the wrong way. Science, politics, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

It's not a real desert hike unless you get thirsty. Unless your skin gets punctured by an innocent-looking plant. Unless you have a close encounter with a nervous venomous critter. The desert is alive, and it will defend itself. And we will help. 90 Miles From Needles brings you stories from far out in the American outback: a land unlike any other that is both intense and subtle, that has endured for eons in the harshest conditions imaginable but which could go away in a heartbeat if we act the wrong way. Science, politics, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

90 Miles from Needles Member feed

Join host Chris Clarke and guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice.

Join host Chris Clarke and guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice.

Get ready for a deep dive into the Western Solar Plan and its impact on our desert ecosystems. Here’s why we need to rethink solar deployment in our deserts and how we can do better.

S3E26: The New Western Solar Plan: A Disaster for Desert Ecosystems?

Public lands in Utah take center stage as Governor Spencer Cox announces a lawsuit aiming to shift control of those lands from federal to state hands. Chris Clarke explores the implications with Jonathan Thompson, a long-time public lands journalist. They dissect the motivations behind the lawsuit, potential impacts on conservation and recreation, and the significance of the proposed change for implementing laws like NEPA. Is Utah's push a genuine effort for better land management, or a pretext for more development and less regulation? Dive into this detailed discussion to understand what’s at stake for Utah’s cherished landscapes.

Jonathan's newsletter The Land Desk can be read here.

Public lands in Utah take center stage as Governor Spencer Cox announces a lawsuit aiming to shift control of those lands from federal to state hands. Chris Clarke explores the implications with Jonathan Thompson, a long-time public lands journalist. They dissect the motivations behind the lawsuit, potential impacts on conservation and recreation, and the significance of the proposed change for implementing laws like NEPA. Is Utah's push a genuine effort for better land management, or a pretext for more development and less regulation? Dive into this detailed discussion to understand what’s at stake for Utah’s cherished landscapes.
<a href="https://landdesk.org">Jonathan's newsletter The Land Desk can be read here.</a>

Jonathan Thompson provides context on Utah's effort, linking it to the 1970s Sagebrush Rebellion against federal land management policies.

S3E25: Utah's Public Lands Lawsuit Sparks Controversy

The rise of renewable energy projects, particularly solar farms, in desert regions has sparked concern regarding their impact on native wildlife, including the desert tortoises. Solar panels cover vast tracts of land to capture sunlight efficiently, which can lead to habitat loss for the tortoises. They can be displaced from their native habitats, or their genetic connectivity can be disrupted. Moreover, the construction and maintenance of these solar farms can lead to direct harm or increase the risk of predator attacks as the landscape changes.

We talk to Kevin Emmerich of Basin and Range Watch about his group's proposal to protect thousands of acres in Nevada's Pahrump Valley by establishing an Area of Critical Environmental Concern, a BLM designation that could rein in the most destructive projects.

Basin and Range Watch: https://www.basinandrangewatch2.org/

Subscribe to Basin and Range Watch's email newsletter here.

Listen to our episode Shannon Salter Fights to Save the Desert.

The rise of renewable energy projects, particularly solar farms, in desert regions has sparked concern regarding their impact on native wildlife, including the desert tortoises. Solar panels cover vast tracts of land to capture sunlight efficiently, which can lead to habitat loss for the tortoises. They can be displaced from their native habitats, or their genetic connectivity can be disrupted. Moreover, the construction and maintenance of these solar farms can lead to direct harm or increase the risk of predator attacks as the landscape changes.
We talk to Kevin Emmerich of Basin and Range Watch about his group's proposal to protect thousands of acres in Nevada's Pahrump Valley by establishing an Area of Critical Environmental Concern, a BLM designation that could rein in the most destructive projects.
Basin and Range Watch: <a href="https://www.basinandrangewatch2.org/">https://www.basinandrangewatch2.org/</a>
Subscribe to Basin and Range Watch's email newsletter <a href="https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=avmwzs7ab&amp;p=oi&amp;m=1130207326880&amp;sit=8syyzsimb&amp;f=b57d7aaa-1489-4d1a-aaaa-256ae5293f7c">here.</a>
<a href="https://90milesfromneedles.com/episode/s1e19-shannon-salter-fights-to-save-the-desert">Listen to our episode Shannon Salter Fights to Save the Desert.</a>

Basin and Range Watch, along with other groups, is working to preserve the southern Pahrump Valley

S3E24: The Fight to Protect the Pahrump Valley

In this heartfelt episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke shares an evocative reading from his book, "Walking with Zeke," reflecting on meaningful experiences with his previous dog Zeke. This story reveals the depth of his connection to his pets and nature, illustrating the profound impact these relationships have on his life and work. The touching narrative about camping under the moonlight in Red Rock Canyon offers listeners a serene and introspective break from the podcast's usual format.

Key Takeaways:


Balancing Activism and Personal Life: The importance of self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially for activists.


Personal Challenges: Insights into Chris's recent struggles with extreme weather and his dog's health, fostering a connection with the audience.


Evocative Storytelling: Chris's reading from "Walking with Zeke" demonstrates his deep bond with nature and his pets.



Notable Quotes:


"Taking care of the desert comes from the same root as taking care of your family, taking care of those around you, however you define family."


"My dog breathes soft against my ribs, and an owl takes wing from the far cliffs, and I sit here, and Zeke with me, and he leans tonight, this moment..."


"It is a thigmotropic partnership, this pairing of dog and human. We crave each other's touch..."


"We arrived too late to claim the sheltered campsites at the base of those cliffs. The wind has scoured this campsite clean of all but the Joshua trees."


"I will recall this moment. I will remember this moment forever, I think to myself."

Resources:


90 Miles from Needles - Donate


Mazamar Art Pottery


Walking with Zeke by Chris Clarke

Don't miss out on this moving episode of "90 Miles from Needles" to feel a deeper connection to the desert and the personal lives intertwined with its protection. Stay tuned for more insightful stories and critical discussions about environmental preservation.

In this heartfelt episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke shares an evocative reading from his book, "Walking with Zeke," reflecting on meaningful experiences with his previous dog Zeke. This story reveals the depth of his connection to his pets and nature, illustrating the profound impact these relationships have on his life and work. The touching narrative about camping under the moonlight in Red Rock Canyon offers listeners a serene and introspective break from the podcast's usual format.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>
Balancing Activism and Personal Life: The importance of self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially for activists.
</li>
<li>
Personal Challenges: Insights into Chris's recent struggles with extreme weather and his dog's health, fostering a connection with the audience.
</li>
<li>
Evocative Storytelling: Chris's reading from "Walking with Zeke" demonstrates his deep bond with nature and his pets.
</li>
</ul>
 
Notable Quotes:
<ol>
<li>
"Taking care of the desert comes from the same root as taking care of your family, taking care of those around you, however you define family."
</li>
<li>
"My dog breathes soft against my ribs, and an owl takes wing from the far cliffs, and I sit here, and Zeke with me, and he leans tonight, this moment..."
</li>
<li>
"It is a thigmotropic partnership, this pairing of dog and human. We crave each other's touch..."
</li>
<li>
"We arrived too late to claim the sheltered campsites at the base of those cliffs. The wind has scoured this campsite clean of all but the Joshua trees."
</li>
<li>
"I will recall this moment. I will remember this moment forever, I think to myself."
</li>
</ol>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://nine0milefromneedles.com/donate">90 Miles from Needles - Donate</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.mazamar.com/">Mazamar Art Pottery</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://bookshop.org/a/96025/9780615196114">Walking with Zeke by Chris Clarke</a>
</li>
</ul>
Don't miss out on this moving episode of "90 Miles from Needles" to feel a deeper connection to the desert and the personal lives intertwined with its protection. Stay tuned for more insightful stories and critical discussions about environmental preservation.

S3E26: The New Western Solar Plan: A Disaster for Desert Ecosystems?

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90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

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