In this episode of Equity in Every Drop, Victoria Leung, a staff attorney for Hudson Riverkeeper, and Richard Webster, former legal director and current outside counsel for Hudson Riverkeeper, join to discuss the controversial history and closure of the Indian Point nuclear power plant in upstate New York.

The conversation delves into the safety concerns, environmental impacts, and years-long advocacy that led to the plant’s decommissioning. Host Thomas Hynes, who has a personal connection to the area, guides listeners through the intricacies of nuclear power regulation, the significant threats posed by plant operations, and the complicated process of shutting it down.

The episode also highlights the ongoing challenges of decommissioning, including dealing with radioactive waste and ensuring local communities transition smoothly after the plant's closure. The dialogue underscores the importance of state involvement and transparent, community-driven oversight in handling nuclear facilities.

In the fourth episode of 'Equity In Every Drop,' host Thomas Hynes dives into the perilous world of coal ash, the toxic byproduct of coal combustion. The episode begins with an enlightening conversation with Dan Estrin, General Counsel and Legal Director of Waterkeeper Alliance. Dan breaks down what coal ash is, its history of unsafe disposal in the United States, and the severe environmental and health threats it poses due to its carcinogenic and radioactive components. He also sheds light on the lack of substantial federal regulation until 2015 and the ongoing challenges of cleaning up over a hundred million tons of coal ash produced annually. The discussion covers Waterkeeper Alliance's legal battles and significant victories, including a landmark settlement with Duke Energy that mandates the cleanup of coal ash impoundments in North Carolina, and the broader implications for regulatory changes and industry practices.

The episode wraps up with insights from Brandon Jones, the Catawba Riverkeeper, who elaborates on the local impact of coal ash on communities in North Carolina and South Carolina, the legal struggles against Duke Energy, and the larger effort to prioritize environmental restoration and protection. Brandon discusses the future of Catawba Riverkeeper, shifting focus from coal ash litigation to broader restoration projects, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and volunteer efforts. Through these compelling interviews, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of the dangers of coal ash and the tireless efforts of environmental advocates to combat this ongoing threat.

This episode of Equity In Every Drop delves into the climate-related complexities surrounding the Colorado River, a critical water source affecting the lives and livelihoods of 40 million Americans, spanning seven states, two countries, and several Tribes. Our first guest, environmental activist, river guide, and Colorado Riverkeeper, John Weisheit, shares his personal connection to and the historical significance of the Colorado River, alongside its current challenges including legal disarray, over-engineering, and significant environmental impact due to dams and water diversion. Weisheit emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues collectively to avert a looming water crisis paralleling historical agricultural downfalls due to salinity and mismanagement.

Additionally, Daryl Vigil of the Water and Tribes Initiative underscores the imperative role of tribes in managing water resources and achieving sustainable water use through collaborative problem-solving. Vigil’s narrative highlights the exclusion of tribes from water management decisions and the dire need for inclusive, equitable solutions that honor Indigenous knowledge and rights. Both guests advocate for a transformative approach to river management, prioritizing natural solutions and respectful engagement with tribal wisdom and leadership to navigate the river’s uncertain future.