Episode Summary: 
In this engaging episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke invites listeners to explore the urgency and allure of desert destinations in his personal bucket list. As listeners, we embark on a quest across arid landscapes, inspired by the tragic recent loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge, which burnt down due to the Dragon Bravo Fire. Peppered with intriguing stories and environmental insights, Chris takes this opportunity to ponder on the significance of visiting and preserving these desert gems while time is on his side. Listeners are treated to a virtual expedition through places like the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, the picturesque landscapes of Baja California's Valle de los Cirios, and the awe-inspiring Vermillion Cliffs in Arizona. Throughout the episode, Chris interlaces environmental advocacy with travel tips and personal anecdotes, all while offering insights into ecological dynamics and conservation efforts. His reflections instill a renewed sense of urgency to appreciate and protect these iconic landscapes, making it a thoroughly captivating episode for desert enthusiasts and eco-conscious adventurers alike.

Key Takeaways:

Desert Beauties and Threats: The episode explores various desert locales significantly impacted by human activity and climate, emphasizing the need for conservation. Bucket List Inspiration: Chris shares his longing to visit places like the Whipple Mountains and the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, underscoring their ecological significance.

Crisis and Conservation: Reflections on the Grand Canyon Lodge fire underline the volatility of these environments and the important role fire plays in ecological regeneration.

Personal Connection: Listeners learn about Chris’ personal journey and experiences, which enriches the narrative with authenticity and urgency.

Audience Engagement Opportunities: Chris encourages engagement, inviting listeners to contribute to sign-off catchphrase ideas and supporting podcast outreach efforts.

Notable Quotes:

• "You get a rough idea of what kinds of things you'd like to do in the time you have remaining on the planet."
• "The ave is not a place where you can just decide to go and then just go."
• "We could not have made it as close to having a hundredth episode as we have without your contributions."
• "There's a thing that people do when they get to a certain age…they prioritize."
• "There's something about the red rock that's… It's an iconic desert landscape and I need to go."

Resources:

• 90 Miles from Needles Website https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/
• "Letters from the Desert" newsletter on Substack https://lettersfromthedesert.substack.com/
• Chihuahuan Desert Travel Fund: To support podcast expansion efforts https://90milesfromneedles.com/elpaso
• The old Cima Dome fire episode from Season 1 https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/s1e3-the-life-death-and-rebirth-of-cima-dome/

Listeners will find this episode both enlightening and inspiring, with Chris Clarke’s insights prompting reflection on the delicate balance of enjoying and conserving desert landscapes. Tune in for more episodes, exploring new perspectives and ongoing conversations on vital desert protection efforts.

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About the Guest: 

Kevin Emmerich is the co-founder of Basin and Range Watch, an organization dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of desert habitats in Nevada and California. With a professional background deeply rooted in environmental advocacy, Kevin has been instrumental in opposing unnecessary desert land conversions for large-scale renewable energy projects. Basin and Range Watch works on various fronts, from grassroots activism to engaging legal avenues, to protect desert landscapes and the unique biodiversity they support.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke sits down with Kevin Emmerich, co-founder of Basin and Range Watch, to discuss the environmental implications of the Greenlink West transmission line project in Nevada. The episode sheds light on the vast stretches of desert land being impacted by this ambitious infrastructure, which aims to connect solar farms in southern Nevada with burgeoning tech hubs in the north. Kevin Emmerich shares valuable insights into the potential costs to desert ecosystems, cultural sites, and endangered species, underscoring the complexity of balancing renewable energy goals with conservation.

The episode also touches on a significant legal battle involving Basin and Range Watch and Friends of Nevada Wilderness, challenging the construction of Greenlink West due to its potential environmental harm. Using a comprehensive approach, they argue against the project's oversight of critical habitats and propose legal frameworks for better alternatives. Amidst these serious discussions, Chris shares updates on the podcast's upcoming events and fundraising efforts, offering a blend of educational content and community engagement.

Key Takeaways:

• Greenlink West Project: A massive transmission line designed to connect solar farms with northern Nevada, posing substantial risks to desert ecosystems and cultural sites.
• Legal Challenges: Basin and Range Watch and Friends of Nevada Wilderness have filed a lawsuit against the project, citing environmental and cultural resource concerns.
  Biodiversity at Risk: The project threatens endangered species like the desert tortoise and rare plants such as the Soda Bell milkvetch, emphasizing the need for diligent environmental reviews.
• Policy and Environmental Law: Recent changes in environmental policies could impact the feasibility and regulations surrounding large-scale renewable projects.
• Community Engagement: The podcast is actively involved in raising awareness and funds for protection events, highlighting the importance of public participation in conservation efforts.

Notable Quotes:

• "GreenLink West will link expansive solar farms in the southern part of the state with data centers and similar projects in the north."
• "The line itself is designed or intended to be part of the Greenlink network, promoting future large-scale renewable energy projects."
• "The desert got just a little bit of a break from pressure to develop renewables in the desert."
• "The GreenLink West line plows right through…one of six populations of these plants on the planet."

Resources:

• Basin and Range Watch: basinandrangewatch2.org
• Friends of Nevada Wilderness: https://www.nevadawilderness.org/

Stay tuned for future episodes of 90 Miles from Needles as we continue to explore critical topics affecting North America's desert landscapes. Be sure to listen to the full episode for an in-depth understanding of the Greenlink West project and its environmental implications.

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Episode Summary:

Chris Clarke unravels the intertwined issues of border politics and desert protection. This episode highlights the human cost of migration through some of the harshest terrains on earth, the Sonoran Desert, while advocating for more humane approaches to immigration and border policies. With a deep dive into recent statistics and personal stories, Clarke paints a moving picture of the realities faced by migrants at the US-Mexico border. The episode also emphasizes the significance of community support in environmental advocacy, underscoring the ongoing efforts to bring the podcast's message to broader audiences, such as the upcoming event at the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta in El Paso, Texas. 

Key Takeaways:

The Sonoran Desert continues to serve as a perilous pathway for migrants, with numerous deaths highlighting the risks involved in such journeys. Initiatives like the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta are crucial for raising awareness about desert ecosystems and border politics. Community support is vital for the advocacy and dissemination of knowledge concerning environmental and social issues affecting the desert. The podcast episode is a call to consider humane border policies and recognize the humanity of those who make the treacherous crossing. Chris Clarke emphasizes the need for American society to embrace migrant neighbors, asserting that they bring resilience and the potential for community enrichment.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The border is itself an atrocity, a meaningless abstract flag waved to stoke hate by people who had never been within a thousand miles of the border place." – Chris Clarke
2. "Let people escaping tyranny come here as they will, and let us rid this place of tyranny as well as part of our usual obligation as hosts." – Chris Clarke 
3. "These are the kinds of people I want as neighbors. They have shown they can persevere." – Chris Clarke 
4. "Let Antares gaze down once more on a landscape of joy and peace." – Chris Clarke 
5. "We regard graveyards as sacred land. Sites of slaughter and battle are hallowed ground. This Sonoran Desert has been sanctified by too many sacrifices." – Chris Clarke 

Resources: 

Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition: Hosts of the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta event. https://chihuahuandesert.org/

90 Miles from Needles Website: https://90milesfromneedles.com

Humane Borders Migrant Death Map: Statistics mentioning over 4,000 migrant deaths, used to highlight the narrative on border-related fatalities. https://www.humaneborders.org/migrant-death-mapping

The Border Chronicle: Melissa Del Bosque and Todd Miller provide top-notch reporting on the human rights issues involved with the border-industrial complex. https://www.theborderchronicle.com/

 

Explore the full episode for a deeper understanding of the impacts of border politics on desert ecosystems and human lives. Stay connected with "90 Miles from Needles" for more stories and advocacy on these crucial issues.

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Notable Quotes:

• "Mark your calendars. Fridays are now Desert Protection Days."
• "We could not do this without you."
• "Desert advocacy is important, but so is work-life balance."
• "The goal is to give me my weekends back so that I can spend time with my family."
• "Thanks again for listening and for being part of this journey."

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Episode Summary:

In this riveting episode, host Chris Clarke covers the urgent issue threatening millions of acres of public land in the United States. Buried in what Chris calls the "Bloated Billionaire Bailout," a budget rider proposed by Senator Mike Lee targets up to 3 million acres of public lands for sale. These lands, managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, span 11 western states. Chris urges listeners to take action by calling their senators to stop this dangerous rider that undermines public access to these vital natural resources.

Throughout the episode, a comprehensive discussion highlights the broader impacts of this potential land sale. Chris articulates how the rider threatens essential services, cultural survival, and the ecological balance of these desert lands. The discussion touches on contrasting visions for the use of public lands, with Mike Lee's push for privatization and development versus the preservation and conservation ethos championed by many environmentalists. Chris also outlines the economic dimensions of this conflict, emphasizing the potential loss of public use areas that provide significant recreational and environmental benefits to local communities.

Key Takeaways:

Legislative Threat:
A budget rider by Mike Lee threatens to privatize millions of acres of public lands in western US states, including critical desert ecosystems.

Conservation vs. Development:
The episode explores the tension between conserving public lands for ecological, cultural, and recreational purposes versus commercial development and privatization.

Call to Action: Chris Clarke urges listeners to contact their senators to oppose the rider and protect these invaluable public lands.

Impactful Example:
Tucson's Sabino Canyon serves as a hypothetical example of the possible negative outcomes from land privatization, jeopardizing local public access.

Political Dynamics:
There is bipartisan opposition to the rider, with some Republican senators indicating they cannot support a bill that includes this provision. Public pressure has led to some revisions of the original rider, but significant threats remain.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We're talking about a public lands fire sale, and commercial interests are first in line."
2. "Mike Lee doesn't consider non-consumptive use as a real use of public lands. If it doesn't turn a profit, it doesn't count in his worldview."
3. "This would not be affordable housing... it's far more likely that housing built in Sabino Canyon would be extremely expensive."
4. "Our common heritage is threatened, and we've got to stop this rider from moving forward."

Resources:
Senate Switchboard: 202-224-3121 
https://www.senate.gov

Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta information: https://chihuahuandesert.org/fiesta-information/

Map of eligible lands and data from the Wilderness Society: https://www.wilderness.org/articles/media-resources/250-million-acres-public-lands-eligible-sale-senr-bill

Fundraising link for El Paso trip: https://90milesfromneedles.com/elpaso

Jonathan Thompson's Substack The Land Desk: https://www.landdesk.org/

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

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Episode Summary:

Immerse yourself in the world of desert city conservation with Chris Clarke and Parker Lloyd as they explore the compelling intersection of urban planning, environmental justice, and community engagement at the Nature Center at Pia Okwai. This episode takes you to the unassuming yet transformative space in South Salt Lake, offering a vision for greener cities through restoration projects that welcome both nature and people. In this episode, explore the heart of Salt Lake City's urban sprawl as Chris and Parker discuss the intricate design and purpose of the Nature Center at Pia Okwai, a site developed by the Tracy Aviary. Brought to life within a cityscape of warehouses and industrial zones, the center is an embodiment of innovative urban planning that prioritizes native habitat restoration and community outreach. Parker Lloyd shares his journey from college dropout to a conservation leader, underlining the center’s aim to foster environmental justice and provide accessible green spaces to historically underserved communities. As the conversation unfolds, the unique demographics of the neighborhood are explored, revealing a tapestry of cultural diversity and its role in enriching the center's mission. Parker provides an inspiring vision for the future of the Nature Center at Pia Okwai, emphasizing the importance of community participation and interconnection with nature. Discussion of the Tracy Aviary's Liberty Park campus broadens the discussion, highlighting global conservation efforts, while also prompting listeners to rethink urban nature spaces. This episode encapsulates the transformative potential of urban conservation efforts and the crucial role of community participation.

Key Takeaways:

• The Nature Center at Pia Okwai exemplifies innovative urban planning and conservation by restoring 12 acres of industrial land into a habitat for local wildlife and community recreation.
• The ecological and communal facet of the nature center seeks to foster a strong sense of environmental justice by integrating underserved local communities.
• Parker Lloyd’s career path highlights the possibility of contributing to conservation without a traditional background, emphasizing passion and community engagement.
• The Tracy Aviary's involvement in global conservation projects, such as the Guam Sihek recovery, illustrates the center’s broader commitment to ecological diversity. • Engaging local communities and incorporating their cultural heritage into environmental initiatives can yield richly rewarding conservation outcomes.

Notable Quotes:

• "We want an oasis of mature trees, native plants, not your typical manicured lawns, but instead interactive environments like wildflower meadows..."
• "It's a brand of environmental justice that I hope more people can recreate across not just Salt Lake, but across the west."
• "Being able to not just bring these cottonwoods to them, but to also learn from these communities about their native plants and their relationship with the land."
• "You really need enthusiasm and luck and not much else in order to work in conservation."
• "Having these conversations is the first step to make those connections."

Resources:

 Tracy Aviary: https://tracyaviary.org

Nature Center at Pia Okwai:
https://tracyaviary.org/nature-center/ 
3310 South 1000 West
South Salt Lake, Utah 84119

Explore the transformative power of urban conservation and community engagement captured in this enriching episode of "90 Miles from Needles." Tune in to grasp the intricacies behind creating urban oases that are not just resilient but also inclusive. Stay connected for more insightful discussions on our shared journey towards protecting our natural world.

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Episode Summary: In this episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke looks into the intricate issues surrounding Bears Ears National Monument with guest Davina Smith, a Diné activist and Co-Chair of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition. The episode's introduction grapples with the political turmoil surrounding federal land designations and their impact on indigenous rights and environmental conservation. Clarke and Smith navigate through the consequences of political maneuvers by successive U.S. administrations, especially concerning the Bears Ears National Monument's existence and preservation. Throughout the episode, Smith discusses the historical and cultural significance of Bears Ears for the Dine people and other Native American tribes, underscoring its critical importance beyond mere land but as a living museum and spiritual sanctuary. Smith passionately depicts current threats from mining interests and unauthorized land use and calls for more robust public understanding and participation in protecting these sacred lands. As listeners are taken through Smith's perspective as an advocate and a former state political candidate, they are encouraged to engage actively in desert protection initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

Historical Significance of Bears Ears:
Bears Ears is regarded by the Diné as a sacred cultural landscape with deep historical ties dating back to their ancestors, serving as a refuge and resource area.

Current Threats to Bears Ears:
The ongoing risk from mining activities and political opposition threatens the preservation efforts, reflecting past attempts to reduce and undermine land protections.

Advocacy and Public Education: 
Emphasizing the importance of educating oneself about Bears Ears and its management plan as a means to participate proactively in conservation efforts.

Political Dynamics:
The Trump administration’s rollback of national monument protections is a recurring theme, revealing the broader political attacks on federal lands.

Community Collaboration:
Exploring avenues for economic growth respecting cultural lands, including tourism as a potential path, highlighting the complexity of local collaboration efforts.

Notable Quotes:
"It's about educating yourself, hearing from those that have worked in this work of protecting Bears Ears." 
"Bears Ears is a living environment, and that's why I go there…it's still communicating with Mother Earth."
"I'm here to be a part of that voice because I was shared from my mother, my grandmother, and the grandmothers before them." 
"Educating people in these areas of Bears Ears…it's about educating these areas, but educating yourself as an individual." 

Resources: Bears Ears Intertribal Coalition: To explore the coalition's work and understand the management plans. https://www.bearsearscoalition.org/
Katherine Smith on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katherine_Smith_(Navajo_activist)
Chris article on the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute: https://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/magazine/entry/clear_skies_in_the_desert

To truly grasp the depth of these issues and support meaningful action, listen to the full episode. Stay up-to-date with 90 Miles from Needles for further insights into the ongoing challenges faced by desert ecosystems and indigenous communities.

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Chris discusses the intersection of environmental activism and political challenges with activist and investigative journalist David Helvarg. The discussion revisits Helvarg's prescient 1994 book, "The War Against the Greens," exploring the evolution of anti-environmental movements from the Wise Use agenda to current political dynamics. They examine threats to democracy, public lands, and global environmental activism amid escalating misinformation and violence. Listeners are given a break mid-episode with serene sounds recorded in Grapevine Canyon, Nevada.

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About the Host:

Chris Clarke is the host of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast." With an extensive background in environmental journalism, Clarke has covered renewable energy developments in California's deserts for KCET, a public television station in Los Angeles. His work is driven by a passionate commitment to environmental conservation and protection, bringing to light the complexities and challenges of implementing renewable energy projects in sensitive desert habitats. Clarke's expertise and dedication continue to inform and inspire as he navigates the intricacies of desert ecosystems and environmental policies.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke offers a critical analysis of "Abundance," the new book by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson. The episode unpacks the book's treatment of environmental regulations and sustainable development, particularly questioning the authors' thesis of liberal states allegedly hindering renewable projects due to stringent regulations. Clarke, drawing on his years of experience as a renewable energy reporter, counters this narrative with on-ground insights, advocating for the significance of environmental laws. Clarke critiques Klein and Thompson's perspective that liberal regulations are obstacles to progress, especially in solar energy projects. With examples from California's renewable energy history, he underscores how the actual challenges often stem from corporate dynamics rather than regulatory frameworks. Clarke highlights the pitfalls of Klein and Thompson's book, arguing that it oversimplifies complex issues by selectively presenting data, ultimately asserting the need for a grounded understanding of environmental policies. 

Key Takeaways:

Environmental Regulations' Role:
Clarke challenges the notion that environmental regulations, like CEQA, are the main barriers to renewable energy progress, presenting evidence from California's solar energy projects.

Corporate Influence:
The episode points out the critical role of corporate influence, particularly from utility companies, in shaping the renewable energy landscape, rather than blaming public regulations.

Complexity in Policy Discussions:
Emphasizes the need for detailed and nuanced discussions about housing and energy development, contrasting with the book's broad brush critiques.

Grounded Evidence: 
Advocates for the significance of ground truthing and environmental laws in preventing unforeseen project impacts, contrary to the book's implications.

Desert Habitat Challenges: 
Explores the environmental and cultural challenges of renewable projects in the California desert, highlighting systemic issues outside mere regulatory concerns.

Notable Quotes:

"In Klein and Thompson's telling of how liberal regulation is getting in the way of renewable energy development, the actual history of renewable energy development in the desert never showed up."

"The function of these laws is to ground truth projects, to reduce the number of unanticipated consequences."

"[Rooftop solar in California] is having some issues because the utilities don't like it."

"This book is a testament to the power of selective cherry picking of data in order to bolster an ideological argument."

"Abundance is essentially a polemic, an extended OP-ed, and in this climate, it's just not helpful."

Resources:

90 Miles from Needles Website: http://90milesfromneedles.com

California Distributed Generation Stats: https://www.californiadgstats.ca.gov/

"Rooftop Solar Reduces Costs for All Ratepayers" report by the California Solar and Storage Association: https://mcubedecon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/calssa_rooftop-solar-reduces-costs-for-all-ratepayers-2025.pdf

Mehdi Hasan and Derek Thompson discussing "Abundance": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTC5jKpYYNU

Zeteo (Mehdi Hasan's new news network): https://zeteo.com/

Rose Foundation report on CEQA and housing: https://rosefdn.org/wp-content/uploads/CEQA-California_s-Living-Environmental-Law-10-25-21.pdf

CEQA and Housing Production: https://www.califaep.org/docs/CEQA_and_Housing_Report_1-30-19.pdf

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Episode Summary: Join host Chris Clarke in this thought-provoking episode of "90 Miles from Needles" as he delves into the crucial humanitarian efforts of Laurie Cantillo and Humane Borders. As the border challenges unfold, Laurie discusses her organization's mission to provide life-saving water stations in the desert for migrants facing extreme peril during their journey to the United States. This episode sheds light on the often-misunderstood realities of border crossings and the humanitarian responses necessary to combat these challenges. Through vibrant storytelling, Laurie Cantillo and Chris Clarke engage in a candid discussion about the evolving landscape of the U.S.-Mexico border, addressing widespread misconceptions and the dire need for compassion and accurate representation of migrants. The conversation highlights the devastating impact of border policies and the unyielding resolve of those risking their lives for a chance at a better future. With insights into borderland human rights, as well as environmental concerns caused by border militarization, this episode offers an in-depth exploration of the human and ecological costs associated with the border crisis.

Key Takeaways:

• Humane Borders provides life-saving water stations across the Sonoran Desert to support migrants, hikers, and even wildlife, confronting the severe drought conditions and inhumane border policies. 
• Contrary to this administration's narrative, migrants crossing the desert to seek asylum are not an "invasion," but rather families and individuals fleeing violence and economic instability. 
• The concept of "prevention through deterrence" initiated by the U.S. government did not deter crossings but instead caused thousands of migrant deaths since its implementation. 
• Laurie emphasizes the stark reality that many Americans are misinformed about migrant communities, which are less prone to crime and more likely to contribute positively to society. 
• Initiatives like Humane Borders represent nonpartisan, humanitarian efforts focused on human dignity and environmental responsibility amidst geopolitical complexities at the border. 

Notable Quotes:

“We're all human. We all need water.” - Laurie Cantillo

“The government knew at the time that people would die, but did not expect it to occur at the scale that's happening.” - Laurie Cantillo

“I would much rather have as my neighbor someone who would cross the desert to become a U.S. citizen than someone who just wants to slam the door shut on people in need.” - Laurie Cantillo 

“The only fear I ever have at the border is from far right militia and vigilante groups.” - Laurie Cantillo

“The wall will fall down of its own accord. Probably before I do.” - Chris Clarke

Resources:

Humane Borders Website: humaneborders.org
Humane Borders' mortality map: https://humaneborders.info/app/map.asp

Border Angels: Organization mentioned that helps families find missing loved ones. Website: https://www.borderangels.org/

Comparing crime rates between undocumented immigrants, legal immigrants, and native-born US citizens in Texas; Light et al, PNAS.org, https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2014704117

Dive deeper into this episode to discover the revealing insights Laurie Cantillo shares about border issues, humanitarian crisis, and the heightened militarization impacting both human lives and biodiversity at the U.S.-Mexico border.

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