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S3E26: The New Western Solar Plan: A Disaster for Desert Ecosystems?
Season 3 · Episode 26

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

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast · Chris Clarke

September 3, 202436m 8s

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Show Notes

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.

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

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Topics

solardesertclimateenergyhabitatsolar power benefitsdesert protection podcastsolar energy zonesenvironmental impact statementrenewable energy transitionsolar panels on parking lotsimpact of solar on desert habitatdistributed solar generation alternativesBLM solar development planenvironmental issues with utility-scale solar