Nevada Episodes

Join host Chris Clarke as he explores the environmental impacts of data centers on Nevada's deserts. Chris, along with guests Laura Cunningham and Kevin Emmerich from Basin and Range Watch, discuss the construction of Greenlink West transmission project and discuss its potential economic motivations and environmental consequences. Discover the startling link between renewable energy infrastructure and hyperscale data centers, and learn about the local ecosystems under threat. This episode offers a critical examination of energy development in Nevada, focusing on both the environmental and social implications.

Join host Chris Clarke for an insightful discussion on wildlife protection and democratic governance with Mandy Culbertson from Wildlife for All. Explore the varying effectiveness of state wildlife policies across the Southwest, the threat of border militarization to biodiversity, and current political influences on conservation efforts. Discover how grassroots advocacy can drive meaningful change in state wildlife management. With rich narratives about the Mexican gray wolf, jaguars, and public land use, this episode looks into the intersection of wildlife policy, democracy, and community action.

This chapter of our 100th episode showcases poetry and prose, celebrating the Mojave and Amargosa regions' beauty and resilience. Cameron Mayer shares poetry on plants like the Honey Mesquite and Mojave Aster, exploring themes of nature's resilience and connection.

This chapter of our 100th episode highlights the inspiring victory against the proposed lithium mining project near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

Join host Chris Clarke and guest Kevin Emmerich, Co-Founder of Basin and Range Watch, as they discuss the environmental implications of the Greenlink West transmission line projects in Nevada.

Join host Chris Clarke for an insightful discussion with journalist Kyle Paoletta about his book "American Oasis: Finding the Future in the Cities of the Southwest." Explore surprising histories and contemporary challenges of cities like Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and El Paso, and their role in shaping the desert Southwest. The episode examines urbanization, civil rights movements, and the cultural interconnectedness of cities across political borders.

Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke delves into two pivotal events illuminating the current challenges and triumphs in desert conservation efforts. The episode captures the essence of grassroots advocacy, community solidarity, and the ongoing struggle to protect unique desert landscapes from economic exploitation. Chris shares inspiring stories of dedication and sacrifice from residents of Amargosa Valley, Nevada, and Joshua Tree, demonstrating the coll...

About the Guest: Mason Voehl is the Executive Director of the Amargosa Conservancy, which works to protect and celebrate the valuable ecosystems within the Amargosa Basin. Voehl's work includes a special focus on groundwater management near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke discusses the recent conservation victory concerning lithium drilling near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Ref...

In this first episode of Season Four, we look at: Wildfires and Power Infrastructure: Power lines and climate change are making wildfires worse, so it's time to think about smaller, local power setups. Chuckwalla National Monument: Creating this monument is a big step in keeping sensitive ecosystems safe from the impacts of climate change. Moab to Mojave Conservation Corridor: This amazing set of protected lands showcases a joint effort to preserve the Southwest's unique landscapes. ...

Join Chris Clarke as he discusses apparent collusion between Nevada's BLM staff and energy companies with journalist Jimmy Tobias. In this enlightening episode, explore the controversy surrounding the development of Greenlink transmission lines and their potential environmental impact. Discover how renewable energy initiatives are reshaping Nevada and the tensions arising from these changes. Learn about the concerns from diverse stakeholders, including the National Park Service and local conserv...

Join host Chris Clarke and guest Dr. Naomi Fraga, Director of Conservation Programs at the California Botanic Garden, as they explore the challenges and successes in desert plant conservation in Nevada. Discover the plight of Tiehm's buckwheat threatened by a lithium-boron mining project and the promising steps toward protection for the Tecopa bird's beak. Navigate the complexities of environmental protection amid rapid industrialization and learn about the vibrant ecosystems that hang in the ba...

The rise of renewable energy projects, particularly solar farms, in desert regions has sparked concern regarding their impact on native wildlife, including the desert tortoises. Solar panels cover vast tracts of land to capture sunlight efficiently, which can lead to habitat loss for the tortoises. They can be displaced from their native habitats, or their genetic connectivity can be disrupted. Moreover, the construction and maintenance of these solar farms can lead to direct harm or increase th...

A representative of a Canadian mining firm poised to damage Ash Meadows and the Amargosa says opponents might be shills for oil and gas companies. We take him to task. We often hear that sacrificing natural landscapes is a necessary evil for renewable energy. But as Rebecca Wisent says, “...the conversation now is almost entirely about ways to handle climate change without changing how we live.” We can do better. We're going on a brief hiatus: Back July 9. Episode Summary: Welcome to anoth...

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke reflects on the significance of the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada. He shares personal stories of his deep connection to the desert landscape and the transformative power it holds. The episode also includes excerpts from the ceremony celebrating the monument's designation and the efforts of local tribes and activists. With stunning descriptions and heartfelt anecdotes, Clarke emphasizes the impo...

In this episode, host Chris Clarke speaks with Patrick Donnelly of the Center for Biological Diversity about a significant victory in the Nevada Supreme Court regarding water rights. They discuss the case of Coyote Springs, a proposed city in the desert that would have a detrimental effect on the Muddy River and its endangered species. The court ruling sets a precedent for managing groundwater and surface water as a single resource, potentially affecting other areas in Nevada facing similar wate...

At a demonstration in the Nevada Mojave, environmental advocate Shannon Salter discussed the growing pressures facing the desert Southwest and the campaigns working to protect public lands and wildlife. Together we explore grassroots organizing, effective advocacy, and why individual voices continue to make a difference.