Evan Dreyer discusses the Tahoe Lead Removal Project, a community initiative that successfully removed toxic lead cables from Lake Tahoe. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, collaboration with government agencies, and the innovative use of AI tools in environmental activism. Dreyer shares insights on organizing grassroots movements, budgeting, and creating actionable strategies for community members looking to address local issues. The conversation highlights the power of collective action and the potential for positive change in environmental efforts.

Takeaways

• The Tahoe Lead Removal Project was a community-driven initiative to remove toxic lead cables from Lake Tahoe.
• Evan Dreyer emphasizes the importance of community engagement and collaboration in tackling environmental issues.
• Using a startup mindset can help grassroots movements effectively organize and execute projects.
• Budgeting and financial planning are crucial for grassroots efforts, but fundraising should not be the primary focus.
• Engaging with government agencies can lead to collaboration rather than conflict, especially when presenting a well-researched plan.
• AI tools can significantly enhance research capabilities and streamline the process of understanding complex regulations.
• Grassroots movements can thrive by focusing on solutions rather than assigning blame to corporations or agencies.
• Creating a clear, actionable strategy is essential for community members looking to address local issues.
• The success of the Tahoe Lead Removal Project demonstrates the power of collective action and community support.
• Evan encourages others to leverage AI and modern tools to facilitate their activism and community efforts.

Name: Evan Dreyer

Title: Lead Organizer, Tahoe Lead Removal Project

Email: [email protected]

Bio: Evan Dreyer was the Lead Organizer for the Tahoe Lead Removal Project, a successful community effort to remove 6+ miles of lead telecommunication cables from Lake Tahoe. He's invested in 50+ startups and operated as Head of Risk & Finance at Tola which exited to Square. Previously he spent 12+ years across investment banking, trading, strategy and risk management at Credit Suisse. He has served on the Board of San Francisco Baykeeper since 2020.

• Initial agency outreach and the follow up this summer.
• Case study Anthropic, showcasing how we used their AI tools in permitting and research.