Very few municipal sustainability initiatives to date have focused on food-related emissions and specifically the relatively low carbon footprint of plant-based proteins, despite the fact that food accounts for over 25% of the average American household’s carbon footprint. And research indicates that without lowering the emissions associated with food consumption, we will be unable to meet global climate targets. In this episode, hosts Sarah Backer and Linda Breggin seek to understand why localities have been slow to move on reducing carbon emissions related to food consumption and speak to local governments that are leading the way on measuring, tracking, and reducing those emissions. Tune in to learn more about consumption-based emissions inventories from Angie Fyfe at ICLEI; DC’s approach to measuring emissions from municipal food purchasing from Alyssa Wooden; and Carrboro, North Carolina’s goal to reduce emissions from diets by 80% by 2030 from Laura Janway.

This podcast was created in conjunction with ELI’s Toolkit for Incorporating Plant-Based Protein Measures in Municipal Climate Action Plans.

Over 90% of US primary environmental laws are implemented and enforced at the state level. The Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) plays a critical role in empowering state environmental agencies and program leaders to improve human health and protect the environment. Elizabeth Biser, ECOS President and Secretary of North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, joins the podcast with Ben Grumbles, Executive Director of ECOS, to discuss the importance of state environmental programs, the challenges they face, and how ECOS is building environmental partnerships for success.

Have you seen the images of urban smog from the 1960s? Although there is still progress to be made, U.S. air quality has dramatically improved over the past 50 years. We have the Clean Air Act to thank. Passed in 1970, the Act gave the newly formed EPA the legal authority to regulate air pollution. In this episode, ELI Staff Attorney Jarryd Page breaks down how the Clean Air Act works and why it matters today.

Relevant Resources:
Chevron Deference in the Dock: SCOTUS and the Future of Environmental Protection
Community Lawyering for Environmental Justice Part 9: Air Permitting