As fossil fuels are phased out, shuttered coal plants, contaminated landfills, and abandoned mine lands across the U.S. are finding new life as renewable energy projects. More than 23 states have 100% clean energy goals, and in order to reach those goals, some states are starting to convert what was once considered “dirty” into “clean” energy generation.

But what happens to the infrastructure, workers, and community after a coal plant shuts down? And as billions are dispersed through policies like the Inflation Reduction Act, what is being done to ensure that the same communities who have been historically left behind are included in the energy transition?

Guests: 

Mary Anne Hitt, Senior Director, Climate Imperative

Thomas Ramey, Commercial Home Evaluator, Solar Holler

Nick Mullins,  Energy Systems Technology Instructor, Tri-County Technical Center and Former Coal Miner

Delmar Gillus, COO, Elevate

This episode also features a reported piece by Jordan Gass-Pooré from the "Hazard NJ" podcast, an investigative podcast and multimedia project from NJ Spotlight News.

Support Climate One by going ad-free! By joining Climate One on Patreon, you’ll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and even periodic engagements with Climate One staff. Join today for just $5/month.

For show notes and related links, visit our website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices