In Our Backyard Podcast

Today we’re diving deep into the fight for environmental justice right here in North Carolina. Our guest is Dr. Rania Masri, Co-Director of the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network, or NCEJN. It's a powerful grassroots organization committed to supporting communities on the frontlines of environmental harm. NCEJN has been a force in holding polluters and policymakers accountable, while centering the voices of those most impacted. In this episode, we’ll talk about the origins and mission of NCEJN, how the organization defines and practices environmental justice, and the major issues facing North Carolina, from industrial agriculture to regulatory inaction. We’ll also hear about recent wins, hard lessons, and what it really takes to build power in local communities.

Today, we’re exploring one of the most vital waterways in the Southeast, the Chattahoochee River. Our guest is Henry Jacobs, Deputy Director at Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, an organization that has been on the front lines of river protection since 1994. From drinking water for millions to habitat for countless species, the Chattahoochee is a lifeline, but it also faces serious challenges, from pollution to the impacts of climate change. In this episode, we’ll talk with Henry about the river’s geography and ecology, the evolution of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s mission, and the innovative programs they’ve launched, from floating classrooms to trash traps, making a real difference on the ground and in the water. We’ll also hear what the data is telling us about the river’s health and how every one of us can play a role in protecting this critical resource. Contact and connect: hjacobs@chattahoochee.org [hjacobs@chattahoochee.org] https://chattahoochee.org/our-river/

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/]