In Our Backyard Podcast

Today’s episode we're back to Northampton County, North Carolina, where a quiet but critical debate is heating up over the future of farmland and solar energy. On April 7, 2025, community advocates Sylvia Vincent, Debbie Davis, and Alfred Kwasikpui presented a powerful case to the Northampton County Commissioners. Their message? That insufficient limits on solar farm expansion are threatening the county’s agricultural heritage, local economy, and environmental health, contradicting the very goals laid out in the Northampton County 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Northampton County leads the state in peanut production and is second in cotton. Agriculture isn't just a way of life here, it’s the backbone of the economy. But with over a dozen large-scale solar farms already operating or approved and more on the way, residents are sounding the alarm about lost farmland, pressured landowners, and long-term environmental concerns. Not to mention, most of these solar farms are going to power large scale data centers like Facebook, not even benefiting the local community. In today’s episode, we’ll unpack: * The clash between renewable energy development and farmland preservation * Concerns over land use, decommissioning, and soil restoration * The role of industry influence and the need for independent oversight * And, most importantly, what this means for rural communities across the U.S. This is a conversation about balance, how we embrace clean energy without sacrificing the communities and landscapes that feed us. So, let’s explore the voices, facts, and stakes behind the push for responsible solar farm limits in Northampton County. I split this episode into two parts, since it was so long. So make sure to come back in two weeks for part two.  Contact and connect: vincentsy@northampton.k12.nc.us [vincentsy@northampton.k12.nc.us], chemdeb@embarqmail.com [chemdeb@embarqmail.com], aw6kwas@gmail.com [aw6kwas@gmail.com]  Northampton County Against Solar Farms: https://abc11.com/sun-solar-panels-energy/1122081/ [https://abc11.com/sun-solar-panels-energy/1122081/]  https://www.personalized.energy/blog/northampton-implements-temporary-ban-on-solar-farms/#:~:text=In%20response%20to%20the%20public,the%20scope%20of%20their%20authority [https://www.personalized.energy/blog/northampton-implements-temporary-ban-on-solar-farms/#:~:text=In%20response%20to%20the%20public,the%20scope%20of%20their%20authority].

Today’s episode takes us to Northampton County, North Carolina, where a quiet but critical debate is heating up over the future of farmland and solar energy. On April 7, 2025, community advocates Sylvia Vincent, Debbie Davis, and Alfred Kwasikpui presented a powerful case to the Northampton County Commissioners. Their message? That insufficient limits on solar farm expansion are threatening the county’s agricultural heritage, local economy, and environmental health, contradicting the very goals laid out in the Northampton County 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Northampton County leads the state in peanut production and is second in cotton. Agriculture isn't just a way of life here, it’s the backbone of the economy. But with over a dozen large-scale solar farms already operating or approved and more on the way, residents are sounding the alarm about lost farmland, pressured landowners, and long-term environmental concerns. Not to mention, most of these solar farms are going to power large scale data centers like Facebook, not even benefiting the local community. In today’s episode, we’ll unpack: * The clash between renewable energy development and farmland preservation * Concerns over land use, decommissioning, and soil restoration * The role of industry influence and the need for independent oversight * And, most importantly, what this means for rural communities across the U.S. This is a conversation about balance, how we embrace clean energy without sacrificing the communities and landscapes that feed us. So, let’s explore the voices, facts, and stakes behind the push for responsible solar farm limits in Northampton County. I split this episode into two parts, since it was so long. So make sure to come back in two weeks for part two.  Contact and connect: vincentsy@northampton.k12.nc.us [vincentsy@northampton.k12.nc.us], chemdeb@embarqmail.com [chemdeb@embarqmail.com], aw6kwas@gmail.com [aw6kwas@gmail.com]  Northampton County Against Solar Farms: https://abc11.com/sun-solar-panels-energy/1122081/ [https://abc11.com/sun-solar-panels-energy/1122081/]  https://www.personalized.energy/blog/northampton-implements-temporary-ban-on-solar-farms/#:~:text=In%20response%20to%20the%20public,the%20scope%20of%20their%20authority [https://www.personalized.energy/blog/northampton-implements-temporary-ban-on-solar-farms/#:~:text=In%20response%20to%20the%20public,the%20scope%20of%20their%20authority].

Today, I’m talking with Cindy Lowry, who is the Executive Director of the Alabama Rivers Alliance. For over 25 years, the Alabama Rivers Alliance has been a powerful voice for the protection and restoration of Alabama’s incredible rivers, a network of waterways that are not only vital to the region’s ecology but also home to some of the richest aquatic biodiversity in the country. From the shimmering banks of the Coosa River to the lush wetlands teeming with unique fish, mussels, and other species. Cindy shares the Alliance’s inspiring founding story and how it grew into a statewide coalition of over 100 partner organizations, all working together to protect clean water for all. We’ll explore key programs like the Water Infrastructure Resource Hub, designed to support communities with sustainable water solutions. We’ll also hear about the challenges and victories in balancing hydropower energy needs with restoring natural river flows, a complex effort critical to both people and wildlife.  Contact and connect with Cindy: clowry@alabamarivers.org [clowry@alabamarivers.org]  ARA: https://alabamarivers.org/ [https://alabamarivers.org/]  DRIFT Fund: https://alabamarivers.org/drift/ [https://alabamarivers.org/drift/]

Today we’re diving into the work of Root Local, an organization on a mission to cultivate sustainability at the neighborhood level across Metro Atlanta. Joining us are two voices at the heart of this movement — Jamie Lee Perkins Dalton, Executive Director of Root Local, and Butch Whitfield, a Founding Board Member. Together, they’re helping communities grow greener, more connected, and more resilient — one project, one pollinator, one partnership at a time. In this conversation, we unpack Root Local’s approach to sustainability, the strategy behind their Eco-Map of Metro Atlanta — also known as EMMA — and the growth of their innovative Pollinator Network. We also hear some real-world success stories, explore what’s next for the organization, and learn how everyday people can plug in and make a difference. So whether you're a longtime advocate for local sustainability or just curious about what's growing in your backyard, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Let’s get into it. Contact and connect: lee@rootlocal.org [lee@rootlocal.org] and butch.whitfield@harrynorman.com [butch.whitfield@harrynorman.com]  Root Local: https://rootlocal.org/ [https://rootlocal.org/]  EMMA: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c0b04d84d6194a898cfc5ff4c71ac2d0/ [https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c0b04d84d6194a898cfc5ff4c71ac2d0/]

Today, we’re diving into the world of environmental health and clean water with a leader whose work is improving lives—especially the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable. Our guest is Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, the Senior Director of Environmental Health and Water Quality at RTI International—a nonprofit institute committed to delivering the promise of science for global good. Jennifer is also the founding director of RTI’s CleanPlus® portfolio, which includes the award-winning Clean Water for Carolina Kids™ program. Under her leadership, this initiative has received national recognition for innovation, impact, and community partnership, including the EBJ Business Achievement Award for Project Merit and the Mutual of America Community Partnership Award. In this conversation, we’ll talk with Jennifer about RTI’s mission and reach, her work to protect communities from harmful contaminants like PFAS and lead, and why her team is focused on ensuring clean water access—starting with children in schools and childcare centers. We’ll also explore what utility companies can do to reduce exposure, how environmental health trends are evolving, and how you can support and connect with this important work. Contact and connect with Jennifer: jredmon@rti.org [jredmon@rti.org]  RTI International: https://www.rti.org/focus-area/RTI-CleanPlus-environmental-testing [https://www.rti.org/focus-area/RTI-CleanPlus-environmental-testing]   Hold My Beer Study: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.4c11265 [https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.4c11265]