Plugging In!

Most of the plastic packaging we throw away every day is not recycled at all and the reason may shock you. Judith Enck, former EPA official and founder of Beyond Plastics, exposes the truth: the plastics industry and fossil fuel companies have spent hundreds of millions of dollars misleading the public, placing recycling logos on packaging that is almost never recycled. Meanwhile, microplastics ar...

In this "emergency" episode of Plugging In, Alicia Gené Artessa, Director of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance, walks listeners through the historic roller coaster of offshore wind development in the United States following the Trump administration’s abrupt halt on permits.     We break down the critical issues you need to understand, including the true timeline of offshore wind development, the...

In this episode, Kit Kennedy, a leading clean energy advocate, shares how coalition building and strategic persistence helped transform New York’s renewable energy landscape despite major political and economic headwinds. Go behind the scenes of ACE New York’s 20 year journey, from bold leadership to recent legal victories that continue to drive momentum.  Learn how organizations like ACE New York...

In this episode, Barry Wygel talks with Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, about her pivotal role in advancing clean energy and environmental policies in New York. Discover how NYLCV is driving change through advocacy, accountability, and political action, and learn about the organization's efforts to promote clean air, water, and sustainable energy solutions. Ju...

Join us as we delve into the intricate world of environmental and climate justice with Eric Walker, the Energy Justice Senior Policy Manager at WEACT for Environmental Justice. Discover how intentional policies have shaped environmental burdens and explore the transformative potential of clean energy investments. Learn about the Cap-and-Invest program and its role in rebalancing economic responsib...

On this episode we explore the promising beginnings of offshore wind energy in the US with Mikkel Maehlisen, Vice President of Generation America’s Offshore at Orsted. Discover the story behind South Fork Wind, the first utility-scale project in the U.S., and how it’s success is setting the stage for future developments. Learn about the challenges faced, the successes achieved, and the potential i...

In this episode, we sit down with Dominic Balog-Way, a research associate at Cornell University and co-director of the Risk Communication Research Group. Risk Communication is the study of communication related to people who feel a risk to their survival, health, economic, or social well-being. These tools can help communicators understand people who may be scared of a renewable energy project alt...

In this episode, we're diving into the top 5 things we learned from the New York Offshore Wind Alliance (NYOWA) over the past year.  From public misconceptions to unexpected performance insights, these takeaways highlight just how much there still is to understand about offshore wind and how far we've come in 2025. Whether you're a clean energy advocate, policymaker, or just wind-curious, this epi...

Join us as we delve into the complexities of maintaining affordable and reliable electricity on Long Island with Carrie Meek Gallagher, CEO of the Long Island Power Authority.   Discover how LIPA navigates the unique challenges of operating a public power utility, balancing infrastructure investments with affordability, and leveraging renewable energy sources like solar and wind.   Learn about the...

Ever wonder what a community really gains from hosting a wind or solar farm?   In this episode of Plugging In , host Barry Wygel is joined by Marguerite Wells, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, to explore how local renewable energy projects create lasting community benefits.   We explain the different ways these projects give back, through annual landowner payments, tax...

It's not just a technical or political problem; it's personal. On this episode, we talk with Dominique Browning, the founder of Moms Clean Air Force, a national group with more than 1.6 million members.   Dominique shares how 2025 has changed her organization's approach and how now is the time to be louder than ever.   Learn how a grassroots movement is pushing back against deregulation, fighting...

Thinking about switching to a cleaner way to heat and cool your home? This episode is your comprehensive guide to geothermal heating and cooling. John Ciovacco, a leading expert from NY Geo and Aztech Geothermal, explains the fundamentals of ground source heat pumps, how they differ from air source heat pumps, and what homeowners should consider before making the switch. Learn about the economic s...

As we celebrate one year of Plugging In, let's reflect on some of the biggest takeaways.  Why do your energy bills spike unexpectedly? Energy Policy Analyst Christian Roselund broke down how global events from wars to trade disputes can send energy prices soaring, showing why local clean energy matters more than ever.   Did you know battery storage facilities are built with round-the-clock, year-r...

New York's energy future depends on strategic investments, not just in generation, but in the infrastructure that delivers power. Join us as Girish Behal, VP of Projects and Business Development at the New York Power Authority (NYPA), details the ambitious plans to modernize the state's electric grid. Girish explains the vital planning processes, including the Public Policy Transmission Need (PPTN...

Ever wonder why your electric bill fluctuates? Energy policy analyst Christian Roselund joins Plugging In to demystify the economics of our power system. Christian explains the fundamental differences between the "free fuel" of solar and wind versus the variable costs of natural gas, and how this impacts wholesale electricity prices. Learn why, despite rising transmission and distribution costs (o...

One year into her role, Alicia Gené Artessa, Director of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance, shares an update on the state's offshore wind projects.  Despite federal headwinds and political rhetoric, New York is doubling down on offshore wind. Alicia discusses the recent lifting of a stop-work order on Empire Wind 1, showcasing the state's unwavering commitment. Learn about….. the successful oper...

Are the children in your life worried about climate change? This episode of Plugging In features Anya Kamenetz, author of the Golden Hour newsletter and former NPR education reporter, discussing the very real phenomenon of climate anxiety in young people. Learn practical strategies for parents and caregivers to validate these feelings, provide accurate information without overwhelming them, and em...

Is a hidden network actively working against offshore wind energy? This episode of Plugging In delves into a revealing report that maps the interconnected groups opposing offshore wind development on the East Coast. Barry speaks with report authors Isaac Slevin and Dr. Timmons Roberts about the "information subsidies" and strategic guidance these local groups receive from conservative megadonors....

This episode of Plugging In offers a candid conversation with EV expert Kate Kruk about the realities of owning an electric vehicle in New York. Kate breaks down the different levels of charging, dispels common myths about range anxiety, and provides practical advice for potential EV buyers. Learn about.... The cost benefits of driving electric Potential fuel and maintenance savings And the import...

How is offshore wind already transforming New York's economy? This episode of Plugging In examines the significant job creation and economic benefits of this growing industry. We hear from experts Phil Rugile (Institute for Workforce Advancement) and Ryan Stanton (Long Island Federation of Labor) about the wide range of career paths and the positive impact on local communities, from increased tax...

What makes New York a solar powerhouse? This episode of Plugging In delves into the state's policies that are fueling the growth of clean energy.   Featuring Elena Weissman of Vote Solar, we discuss New York's achievements in distributed generation and the path to a solar-powered future. Explore the critical policy debates, including streamlining permitting, improving interconnection, and expandin...

Why are some of the reddest states leading the way in renewable energy? This episode of Plugging In explores the economic drivers of climate action, featuring Chelsea Henderson of RepublicEN. Discover how this organization is engaging Republicans in a solutions-oriented conversation about climate change. Learn about the economic opportunities presented by clean energy and the growing recognition o...

Join host Barry Wygel and this week's guest Kate Daniel as they explain how community solar can save you money. Harness the power of the sun: Learn how community solar allows you to subscribe to a shared solar farm and receive credits on your electricity bill. Save money: Discover how community solar can reduce your electric bill. Environmental benefits: Explore how community solar helps reduce yo...

Did you know that your bank deposits can be loaned out to companies you might not agree with? This episode of Plugging In dives deep into the surprising ways your finances can impact the environment.   Join host Barry Wygel and "The Sustainable Economist" Tim Nash as they explore: The hidden impact of your investments: Discover how your retirement accounts and everyday banking choices can inadvert...

In this episode of Plugging In, we check in with New York-based battery manufacturer John Williams, CEO of Viridi. At their Buffalo campus, Viridi makes modular battery packs to be used in battery storage, which he describes as failproof, with zero chance of thermal runaway. While this solution isn't designed for large grid-scale applications, it could very well serve a sizable percentage of our b...