Plugging In!
Welcome to "Plugging In: Powering our Way to a Brighter and Healthier New York," the podcast dedicated to exploring the exciting world of clean energy and New York's pioneering role in the movement. Join us biweekly for 10-15 minute episodes where we break down the basics of clean energy, debunk common myths, and highlight the innovative initiatives driving New York towards a sustainable future. Each episode features insightful interviews with experts, activists, and policymakers who are leading the charge. Get inspired, get involved, and learn how you can make a positive impact on our environment and community. Together, let's power our way to a brighter and healthier New York.
Episodes
Most of the plastic packaging we throw away every day is not recycled at all and the reason may shock you. Judith Enck, former EPA official and founder of Beyond Plastics, exposes the truth: the plastics industry and fossil fuel companies have spent hundreds of millions of dollars misleading the public, placing recycling logos on packaging that is almost never recycled. Meanwhile, microplastics are now being found in our blood, lun...
In this "emergency" episode of Plugging In, Alicia Gené Artessa, Director of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance, walks listeners through the historic roller coaster of offshore wind development in the United States following the Trump administration’s abrupt halt on permits.
We break down the critical issues you need to understand, including the true timeline of offshore wind development, the strategic legal battles companies are...
In this episode, Kit Kennedy, a leading clean energy advocate, shares how coalition building and strategic persistence helped transform New York’s renewable energy landscape despite major political and economic headwinds.
Go behind the scenes of ACE New York’s 20 year journey, from bold leadership to recent legal victories that continue to drive momentum.
Learn how organizations like ACE New York and NRDC are responding to federal a...
In this episode, Barry Wygel talks with Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, about her pivotal role in advancing clean energy and environmental policies in New York.
Discover how NYLCV is driving change through advocacy, accountability, and political action, and learn about the organization's efforts to promote clean air, water, and sustainable energy solutions.
Julie shares insights on the importance...
Join us as we delve into the intricate world of environmental and climate justice with Eric Walker, the Energy Justice Senior Policy Manager at WEACT for Environmental Justice.
Discover how intentional policies have shaped environmental burdens and explore the transformative potential of clean energy investments. Learn about the Cap-and-Invest program and its role in rebalancing economic responsibilities for a sustainable future.
Le...
Discover the story behind South Fork Wind, the first utility-scale project in the U.S., and how it’s success is setting the stage for future developments.
Learn about the challenges faced, the successes achieved, and the potential impact on local communities and the e...
Risk Communication is the study of communication related to people who feel a risk to their survival, health, economic, or social well-being. These tools can help communicators understand people who may be scared of a renewable energy project altering their way of life through stro...
From public misconceptions to unexpected performance insights, these takeaways highlight just how much there still is to understand about offshore wind and how far we've come in 2025.
Whether you're a clean energy advocate, policymaker, or just wind-curious, this episode will get you up to speed on how ...
Discover how LIPA navigates the unique challenges of operating a public power utility, balancing infrastructure investments with affordability, and leveraging renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Learn about the innovative strategies being impleme...
In this episode of Plugging In, host Barry Wygel is joined by Marguerite Wells, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, to explore how local renewable energy projects create lasting community benefits.
We explain the different ways these projects give back, through annual landowner payments, tax agreements with towns, counties, and ...
On this episode, we talk with Dominique Browning, the founder of Moms Clean Air Force, a national group with more than 1.6 million members.
Dominique shares how 2025 has changed her organization's approach and how now is the time to be louder than ever.
Learn how a grassroots movement is pushing back against deregulation, fighting defeatism, and using personal stories ...
John Ciovacco, a leading expert from NY Geo and Aztech Geothermal, explains the fundamentals of ground source heat pumps, how they differ from air source heat pumps, and what homeowners should consider before making the switch.
Learn about the economic sweet spot for a geothermal project an...
- Why do your energy bills spike unexpectedly? Energy Policy Analyst Christian Roselund broke down how global events from wars to trade disputes can send energy prices soaring, showing why local clean energy matters more than ever.
- Did you know battery storage facilities are built with round-the-clock, year-round safety measures? Phi...
Girish explains the vital planning processes, including the Public Policy Transmission Need (PPTN), that ensure reliable, cost-effect...
Learn why, despite rising transmission and distribution costs (often due to grid upgrades), the supp...
Despite federal headwinds and political rhetoric, New York is doubling down on offshore wind. Alicia discusses the recent lifting of a stop-work order on Empire Wind 1, showcasing the state's unwavering commitment.
Learn about…..
- the successful operation of South Fork Wind
- the tangib...
- Learn practical strategies for parents and caregivers to validate these feelings, provide accurate information without overwhelming them, and empower kids to take positive...
Barry speaks with report authors Isaac Slevin and Dr. Timmons Roberts about the "information subsidies" and strategic guidance these local groups receive from conservative megadonors.
Learn how debunked claims, like the w...
Learn about....
- The cost benefits of driving electric
- Potential fuel and maintenance savings
- And the importance of understanding your driving ...
We hear from experts Phil Rugile (Institute for Workforce Advancement) and Ryan Stanton (Long Island Federation of Labor) about the wide range of career paths and the positive impact on local communities, from increased tax revenue to stronger public services.
...
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