Coming Clean - An Environmental Podcast Trout Stream Studios

The title was Benji’s joke, clearly. Stephen Perkins is joined by Coming Clean and ACC Founder Benji Backer as he kicks off the tour for his new book “The Conservative Environmentalist”, a treatise on what it means to merge two terms which started off synonymous. 

Takeaways

The book 'The Conservative Environmentalist' offers a comprehensive and common-sense approach to environmentalism from a right-of-center perspective.

The narrative around climate change needs to change, focusing on innovation, economic growth, and human flourishing.

ACC and its members play a crucial role in shaping the conservative environmental movement and creating a third path between alarmism and denial.

Short-term wins, such as permitting reform and plugging orphaned wells, can pave the way for larger steps in environmental action.

The book tour and the movement as a whole are driven by the collective efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to finding sustainable solutions.


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Stephen Perkins is joined by Dave McCormick, a candidate for United States Senate in Pennsylvania, who discusses his background and motivation for running for office. He highlights the dysfunction in Washington and the need for new leadership on the environment. McCormick also emphasizes the importance of a conservative approach to the environment and the need to effectively communicate Republican views on environmental issues. The two the competition with China and the connection between energy policy and national security. McCormick advocates for involving the fossil fuel industry in environmental solutions and emphasizes the importance of nuclear energy. The interview closes with Dave sharing his favorite place in nature and recommends the book 'The Splendid and the Vile' by Erik Larson. 

Takeaways

Dave McCormick is motivated by a sense of service and a desire to provide new leadership in Washington.

Conservatives should adopt a pragmatic approach to the environment, recognizing that economic growth and environmental conservation are not mutually exclusive.

The competition with China is a critical environmental issue, and the United States must invest in research and development to maintain its technological edge.

Energy independence is crucial for national security, and nuclear energy should be a significant part of the energy mix.

Involving the fossil fuel industry in environmental solutions and investing in workforce training are essential for a successful energy transition.


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Josh Siegel, Energy and Policy Reporter at Politico and host of the Politico Energy podcast, to discuss his career following energy and climate across the halls of Congress. He emphasizes the importance of objective reporting and the challenges of covering environmental issues in a partisan media landscape. Siegel also highlights the shift in Republican attitudes towards climate change and the recent Energy Week in Congress. He shares his most impactful stories and his motivation for journalism. He concludes by expressing his excitement for the future of energy and climate policy.

Takeaways

Objective reporting is crucial in the energy and environment beat to cut through partisan narratives and provide accurate information.

There has been a significant shift in Republican attitudes towards climate change, with more members acknowledging the issue and proposing bipartisan solutions.

Energy Week in Congress is a platform for Republicans to showcase their priorities and promote bills related to energy and climate policy.

The media plays a vital role in informing the public and challenging policymakers on energy and climate issues.

Josh Siegel recommends the book 'The War Below' and the podcast 'The Big Switch' for further insights into critical minerals and energy topics.


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Chris Nevers, Senior Director of Public Policy at electric car maker and tech company Rivian, discusses the company's background, its position in the EV market, and the challenges faced by the industry amidst an unprecedented slowdown and investor uncertainty. He shares his own journey to Rivian and highlights the importance of supporting environmentally conscious brands. Nevers emphasizes the need for policies and incentives that accelerate the transition to EVs and promote sustainability. He also discusses Rivian's efforts to reduce its environmental impact and engage communities in clean energy initiatives. The conversation concludes with a sneak preview of the upcoming unveiling of Rivian's R2 in a pivotal time for the EV industry.

Key Takeaways

Rivian is a domestic tech and EV-only auto company that aims to protect the environment and build sustainable vehicles.

The EV market is facing challenges, including consumer uncertainty and range anxiety, but there is a growing range of EV models with improved range and affordability.

Rivian engages customers through brand stories and supports policy efforts to improve charging infrastructure and make EVs more accessible.

Reducing environmental impact is a priority for Rivian, and the company actively accounts for carbon emissions and works towards sustainability goals.

Supporting environmentally conscious brands and advocating for policies that accelerate the transition to EVs are crucial for a sustainable future.


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Stephen is joined by college students (and ACC Chapter Leaders) Brenden Fowler and Danny Frindt, who head up the Ohio State University (OSU) branch of the ACC. They discuss the branch's makeup, membership, local impact, and upcoming events. The OSU branch is the largest sustainability organization on campus and has one in 66 students at OSU as ACC members. The branch aims to involve students from all majors and interests in environmentalism. They organize events such as hikes, tailgates, and trash pickups to bring people together and promote sustainability. The branch's local impact includes gaining recognition, influencing recycling policies, and being taken seriously in the community. They also discuss the ACC Sustainability Week and the Earth Day Cleanup Challenge.
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In this episode, ACC CEO Danielle Butcher Franz brings the HEAT on our first edition of ClLIMATE RANTS. In the true spirit of Festivus, Dani goes off on disruptive activism - responding to an LA Times article questioning how many ounces of soup can fix Climate Change - and more with our host Stephen Perkins!

How Throwing Soup At The Mona Lisa Can Help Fight Climate Change: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-02-01/climate-change-activism-mona-lisa-artwork 
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