As we publish, scientists are announcing that the last dozen years are the driest in more than a millennium. With the desert's cities ever more dependent on water from the Colorado River, how will southwestern society meet the challenge of hyper-aridity? Chris and Alicia get water wonky with Kyle Roerink of the Great Basin Water Network.

As we publish, scientists are announcing that the last dozen years are the driest in more than a millennium. With the desert's cities ever more dependent on water from the Colorado River, how will southwestern society meet the challenge of hyper-aridity? Chris and Alicia get water wonky with Kyle Roerink of the <a href="https://greatbasinwater.org/">Great Basin Water Network</a>.

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.

Drought on the Colorado River forces us to consider big changes.

S1E4: The End of the Cadillac Desert: Megadrought in the Southwest

We visit the Amargosa watershed to discuss Greenlink West, a transmission project now under construction that will ship energy from Vegas-area solar facilities to data centers near Reno. This project not only threatens to enable an explosion of data centers in Northern Nevada, but also incentivizes solar developers to concentrate development in largely untouched desert in the Mojave and Great Basin.

Key Takeaways:


The Greenlink West transmission line is purportedly for energy distribution but appears to primarily serve data centers.


NV Energy's developments misalign with publicized renewable energy goals, potentially increasing the burden on natural gas resources.


The substation built in the Amargosa Valley indicates the impending rise of massive solar projects, with minimal benefits to local communities.


Sallying efforts such as the strengthening of water rights control and military navigation illustrate the complex web of interests surrounding the project.


The discourse reflects on broader energy infrastructure expansions, potentially at the expense of Nevada's untouched desert landscape.

Notable Quotes:


"It used to be the Greenlink was to fight carbon emissions and climate change. But the goal has been becoming more obvious over the years that no, it's just for hyperscale data centers that are going to suck up all of our energy and water." - Laura Cunningham


"What if I told you, though, that there was a pretty good chance that data centers are going to seriously damage hundreds of square miles of the wild Mojave and Great Basin deserts in the state of Nevada?" - Chris Clarke


"This public land needs to be put to use and it's not for people." - Laura Cunningham


"The primary reason that so much solar was associated with Greenlink is because it was supposed to replace fossil fuel plants... they're gonna just go with the flow with whatever market is available." - Kevin Emmerich


"To me, this is such an interesting area because 30 air miles that way is Area 51." - Laura Cunningham

Resources:


Basin and Range Watch


Western Watersheds Project


Taxonomic revision of the tarantula genus Aphonopelma within the United States


Google Maps: Tahoe Reno Industrial Center, NV

We visit the Amargosa watershed to discuss Greenlink West, a transmission project now under construction that will ship energy from Vegas-area solar facilities to data centers near Reno. This project not only threatens to enable an explosion of data centers in Northern Nevada, but also incentivizes solar developers to concentrate development in largely untouched desert in the Mojave and Great Basin.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>
The Greenlink West transmission line is purportedly for energy distribution but appears to primarily serve data centers.
</li>
<li>
NV Energy's developments misalign with publicized renewable energy goals, potentially increasing the burden on natural gas resources.
</li>
<li>
The substation built in the Amargosa Valley indicates the impending rise of massive solar projects, with minimal benefits to local communities.
</li>
<li>
Sallying efforts such as the strengthening of water rights control and military navigation illustrate the complex web of interests surrounding the project.
</li>
<li>
The discourse reflects on broader energy infrastructure expansions, potentially at the expense of Nevada's untouched desert landscape.
</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ul>
<li>
"It used to be the Greenlink was to fight carbon emissions and climate change. But the goal has been becoming more obvious over the years that no, it's just for hyperscale data centers that are going to suck up all of our energy and water." - Laura Cunningham
</li>
<li>
"What if I told you, though, that there was a pretty good chance that data centers are going to seriously damage hundreds of square miles of the wild Mojave and Great Basin deserts in the state of Nevada?" - Chris Clarke
</li>
<li>
"This public land needs to be put to use and it's not for people." - Laura Cunningham
</li>
<li>
"The primary reason that so much solar was associated with Greenlink is because it was supposed to replace fossil fuel plants... they're gonna just go with the flow with whatever market is available." - Kevin Emmerich
</li>
<li>
"To me, this is such an interesting area because 30 air miles that way is Area 51." - Laura Cunningham
</li>
</ul>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://basinandrangewatch2.org">Basin and Range Watch</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="http://westernwatersheds.org">Western Watersheds Project</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://zookeys.pensoft.net/articles.php?id=6264">Taxonomic revision of the tarantula genus&nbsp;Aphonopelma&nbsp;within the United States</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tahoe-Reno+Industrial+Center/@39.4418241,-119.7697408,2842m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x80991515de48f62b:0x90be7729556c42f0!8m2!3d39.4413156!4d-119.764217!16s%2Fg%2F11ghr0zdft?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDYyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D">Google Maps: Tahoe Reno Industrial Center, NV</a>
</li>
</ul>

Join host Chris Clarke as he explores the environmental impacts of data centers on Nevada's deserts. Chris, along with guests Laura Cunningham and Kevin Emmerich from Basin and Range Watch, discuss the construction of Greenlink West transmission project and discuss its potential economic motivations and environmental consequences. Discover the startling link between renewable energy infrastructure and hyperscale data centers, and learn about the local ecosystems under threat. This episode offers a critical examination of energy development in Nevada, focusing on both the environmental and social implications.

S5E19: Greenlink West Carves a Costly Path Through Wild Nevada

In this timely episode, Chris discusses the best ways to avoid becoming a statistic while hiking during desert heat waves. He also points out that the vast majority of people suffering injury and death from extreme heat have little other choice. Migrants, the incarcerated, and outdoor labor all face serious threats from hot weather, with little recourse to protect themselves. That's why state and federal protections for workers and the incarcerated are so crucial.

Notable Quotes:


"Heat turns minor mistakes into fatal mistakes."


"Testosterone is not an electrolyte replacement."


Incarcerated people dying from heat injury is a frequent and growing problem that is not tracked in any methodical way."


"Hug your dogs."

Resources:


Podcast Website:90 Miles from Needles


PO Box for Donations and Support: P.O. Box 127, 29 Palms, CA 92277


New analysis provides more evidence that heat standards save lives
Leading Healthcare and Public Health Organizations Call for Federal Government to Fast-Track Rules to Protect Workers from Worsening Extreme Heat
American Hiking Society's Hot Weather Hiking Guide

In this timely episode, Chris discusses the best ways to avoid becoming a statistic while hiking during desert heat waves. He also points out that the vast majority of people suffering injury and death from extreme heat have little other choice. Migrants, the incarcerated, and outdoor labor all face serious threats from hot weather, with little recourse to protect themselves. That's why state and federal protections for workers and the incarcerated are so crucial.
Notable Quotes:
<ul>
<li>
"Heat turns minor mistakes into fatal mistakes."
</li>
<li>
"Testosterone is not an electrolyte replacement."
</li>
<li>
Incarcerated people dying from heat injury is a frequent and growing problem that is not tracked in any methodical way."
</li>
<li>
"Hug your dogs."
</li>
</ul>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>
Podcast Website: <a href="https://www.90milesfromneedles.com">90 Miles from Needles</a>
</li>
<li>
PO Box for Donations and Support: P.O. Box 127, 29 Palms, CA 92277
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.theinvadingsea.com/2025/12/13/heat-protections-outdoor-workers-osha-deaths-illnesses-index-farm-california-federal-standard/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"></a><a href="https://www.theinvadingsea.com/2025/12/13/heat-protections-outdoor-workers-osha-deaths-illnesses-index-farm-california-federal-standard/">New analysis provides more evidence that heat standards save lives</a>
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.apha.org/news-and-media/news-releases/apha-news-releases/2025/extreme-heat-letter-to-osha">Leading Healthcare and Public Health Organizations Call for Federal Government to Fast-Track Rules to Protect Workers from Worsening Extreme Heat</a></li>
<li><a href="https://americanhiking.org/hot-weather-hiking/">American Hiking Society's Hot Weather Hiking Guide</a></li>
</ul>

Chris Clarke dives into the dangers of extreme heat in desert environments, offering crucial safety tips for hikers, bikers, and climbers. He contrasts these recreational challenges with the dire realities faced by incarcerated individuals, outdoor laborers, and migrants who endure heat with limited options. Clarke highlights notable cases of heat-related deaths and the disparities in media coverage.

S5E18: Desert Heat: Who Really Pays the Price?

In the wake of a personal loss and a several-week hiatus, our host Chris wonders about the future of the podcast and whether it's doing what we need it to do to get to the people who need to hear it. Listeners are encouraged to take a few easy and free (or cheap) steps to help spread the word of 90 Miles from Needles, including posting reviews on Apple, Spotify, or our website; boosting us on social media, and so many other possible ways to help.

A full episode will come your way on 6/19!

In the wake of a personal loss and a several-week hiatus, our host Chris wonders about the future of the podcast and whether it's doing what we need it to do to get to the people who need to hear it. Listeners are encouraged to take a few easy and free (or cheap) steps to help spread the word of 90 Miles from Needles, including posting reviews on Apple, Spotify, or our website; boosting us on social media, and so many other possible ways to help.
A full episode will come your way on 6/19!

*   Transparency about the challenges of maintaining the podcast underlines the need for a supportive and engaged community.

S1E4: The End of the Cadillac Desert: Megadrought in the Southwest

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