ENVIRONMENTALLY SPEAKING: Recent Episodes
ENVIRONMENTALLY SPEAKING
Marisa and Clarice will keep you cracking up while discussing some serious topics around state and federal environmental and utility/energy statutory and regulatory compliance, civil litigation, and municipal and regulatory zoning and permitting.
Coming up on this week's episode of Environmentally Speaking, Marisa and Clarice dive into the world of climate change and its impact on the growing seasons. They discuss how the erratic weather patterns are affecting farmers in Rhode Island and the challenges they face in adapting to these changes. From extended growing seasons to disrupted planting schedules, the hosts explore the various ways in which climate change is turning the agricultural world upside down. So grab a cup of coffee and join Marisa and Clarice as they take you on a journey through the highs and lows of the evolving landscape of farming in the face of climate change. You won't want to miss this eye-opening episode of Environmentally Speaking!
In today's episode, we dive into a very local topic: the ongoing construction of a solar project in Tiverton, Rhode Island. Join hosts Marisa and Clarice as they discuss their thoughts, concerns, and questions surrounding this solar farm. From the size of the project to the impact on the surrounding environment, they explore various aspects of this development. Tune in as they examine the zoning issues, changes in net metering laws, and the potential alternatives that could have been considered. Get ready for an insightful discussion on the challenges and benefits of solar energy projects in local communities.
This week hosts Marisa and Clarice dive into the concerning state of Rhode Island's beaches. From the closure of beloved childhood camps to the presence of bacteria-contaminated shellfish, the situation in Rhode Island is dire. But what exactly is causing these closures, and why are some beaches affected while others remain open? Join us as we unravel the complexities of water pollution, dilution, and the impact of stormwater. Get ready to make an informed decision as we navigate the murky waters together. Let's jump in!
Welcome to another episode of Environmentally Speaking podcast! In today's episode, Marisa and Clarice dive into the fascinating world of floating offshore wind farms. They discuss the unique design of these floating structures and how they differ from traditional wind turbine infrastructure. They explore the advantages of floating platforms, such as their ability to be installed in deeper waters, allowing for larger and taller wind turbines. However, as the conversation deepens, doubts arise. They raise concerns about the transmission of electricity back to land and the extensive cable burial required. They question the environmental impact of burying large cables, particularly with the use of jet plows. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode as Marisa and Clarice navigate the complex world of floating wind turbines, delving into their advantages, challenges, and the implications they have on the future of renewable energy. So, grab your headphones and get ready for another enlightening show.
In this episode, hosts Marisa and Clarice dive into the world of environmental decision-making and the controversies surrounding renewable energy and climate change. They start by exploring an intriguing question-and-answer session that sheds light on the debate over permitting reform and its impact on fossil fuel production. They discuss the clash between traditional environmentalists and the renewable energy movement. Together, they unpack the complex issues surrounding tree planting, water conservation, and the rush to implement renewable energy projects. To top it off, they discuss recent initiatives to protect Americans from extreme heat and the polarization within the climate movement. So get ready for an enlightening and thought-provoking episode of Environmentally Speaking
In today's episode, we tackle the pressing issue of flooding in Vermont and its connection to climate change. Vermont has recently experienced its rainiest season in the past century, resulting in devastating floods and an increased risk of landslides. We shed some light on the alarming fact that the flooding in Vermont is a clear consequence of climate change, a sign of the extreme bursts of rainfall predicted by climate scientists. It is an urgent wake-up call, highlighting the need for immediate action to address the underlying issues. In addition, we explore the unique challenge Vermont faces with its over 400 dams, many of which are privately owned. The ownership dynamics surrounding these dams present challenges during emergencies, as enforcement actions to mitigate flooding may not be as effective.
On this episode of Environmentally Speaking, hosts Marisa and Clarice dive into the legislative changes happening in Rhode Island regarding the conversion of vacant commercial properties into residential units. They discuss Senate Bill 1037 Sub A, its multiple drafts, and the removal of environmental harm references. The hosts express their concerns about the impact on the environment and the lack of information about the thought process behind these changes. They stress the importance of affordable housing and explore the balance between housing needs and environmental protection Overall, this thought-provoking episode raises important questions about the intersection of housing and environmental concerns, while also seeking guidance from the listeners.
On this episode of Environmentally Speaking, our hosts Marisa and Clarice dive into the controversial topic of whale deaths and their possible connection to offshore wind activity. Our guest, Robert Rocha, sheds light on the complexities surrounding these deaths and the ongoing debates. Robert starts by acknowledging that while there have been reported deaths, there is limited information and published results available. He argues that it is challenging to determine the exact cause of these deaths and believes that blaming turbine sightings alone is too simplistic. Interestingly, he suggests that those advocating for a halt and reexamination of the situation may be funded by the petroleum industry, which adds an ironic twist to the discussion. Switching gears, Robert takes us on a fascinating tangent about an exhibition featuring three large skeletons, including a 66-foot blue whale, a 49-foot North Atlantic white whale, and a 37-foot humpback whale. These skeletons raise many questions from visitors, which are handled by the front desk, coworkers, and volunteers. Robert explains that the term "whale" refers to both the baleen and the animals themselves, highlighting the importance of understanding the context. Our guest delves into the history of whale populations and human impact. He shares that in the 18th century, there was a significant decline in North Pacific right whales due to human hunting. Interestingly, he mentions that smaller animals don't require a large throat to consume food, leading to an intriguing exploration of different whale species and their feeding habits. Robert also touches upon the misconceptions surrounding sperm whales and their diet. Contrary to popular belief, they don't exclusively eat giant squid but consume various species of squid. Drawing from his observation and learning on the job, he enlightens us about the ocean's vast array of 300 different squid species. To wrap up, our guest encourages listeners to visit the Whaling Museum to gain a deeper understanding of whales and the history of whaling. He shares that visitors are usually pleasantly surprised, but acknowledges that some may have negative emotional reactions upon viewing the skeletons. It's important to note that these skeletons did not come from the whaling industry directly, but from ship strikes in 1998 and 2004. Although the topic of unusual mortality events among whales remains a mystery, Robert emphasizes the significance of considering the timeline and staying open to different theories. Marisa and Clarice engage him in a thought-provoking conversation, exploring concepts like Yankee boats and the historical context of industrial whaling in the 19th century. Robert shares insights from his co-authored research paper on the number of whales killed during that era, distinguishing between Yankee whaling and industrial whaling practices. (Here is a link to Bob's article: https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-content/MFR/mfr764/mfr7643.pdf) Join us on this thought-provoking episode of Environmentally Speaking as we explore the mysteries of whale deaths, the implications of offshore wind projects, and the fascinating history of whaling.
Extra:
Documentary the witness is a whale: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001mwfg
"On this episode of Environmentally Speaking, we dive into the intriguing world of legal practice and explore a topic that may seem unfamiliar to many - the rule of perpetuity. We explore a real-life situation involving the O'Leary family farm in Rhode Island. Mr. O'Leary has passed away, leaving Mrs. O'Leary with the decision of how to honor the family farm and keep its legacy alive. With Mrs. O'Leary unable to manage the farm alone, the future of the land becomes uncertain. We contemplate the notion that land cannot be predetermined as forever, despite the initial promise of the land remaining as farmland. Drawing from a lovely quote by Norma O'Leary about a transaction, we are happy with how the situation ultimately plays out. The land will continue to be farmed as desired, providing a positive resolution.
As we continue to explore the O'Leary family farm and its significance as a local institution, we touch upon Rhode Island General Law and a law allowing land to be bound for a longer period of time. The Department of Environmental Management in Rhode Island plays a role in regulating land through recorded conveyances, thus preserving open space use indefinitely. This is made possible through the dem open space grant program, which is funded by voter-approved green economy bonds. The fact that Rhode Island consistently approves these bonds demonstrates their concern for the state's natural resources.
This week we are discussing a recent US Supreme Court case that raises questions about the outer limits of the Clean Water Act and what constitutes "waters of the United States." The proposed rule suggests that there must be a continuous and unbroken surface water connection between bodies of water, but this definition raises questions about how to deal with certain types of water. We also talk about various other cases that addressed the application of the Clean Water Act to wetlands and navigable waters, and how the Supreme Court is further defining the federal government's jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis. We also cover practical questions on how to implement the decision-making process and who these agents will be. Finally, we touch upon what impact this will have on Rhode Island and discuss what is meant by "water of the United States."
Rhode Island is very active in the clean energy industry in policy, pushing forward its own initiatives and recognizing entities in Rhode Island that are at the front of moving forward with clean energy projects. In this episode we are going to highlight some of the awards across the public sector, which organizations got them and why. These all were pretty cool, you don’t want to miss this.
This week we are talking about the poor air quality that has covered the northeastern part of the United States, particularly New York City and into Rohde Island. The sky over New York has been described as “orange and hazy”. Tune in discuss what are fine particulates and why is it so bad for humans in public health? More importantly, How did this happen?
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-york-city-second-worst-air-quality-in-world-canada-wildfire-smoke/ https://a816-dohbesp.nyc.gov/IndicatorPublic/beta/key-topics/airquality/realtime/ https://wpde.com/news/nation-world/new-york-citys-air-pollution-among-worst-in-the-world-as-wildfire-smoke-hits-northeast
This week we are talking about composting of the last variety. What happens you your body after death? Some people are buried in a cemetery, some cremated. What if you could compost your body? Take a listen as we talk about a new bill, 6045 as it relates to funeral director slash embalmer and funeral service establishments. The reason that this proposed bill is being cited under that particular chapter of Rhode Island law is because it is proposing to amend existing funeral service type statute to include natural organic reduction. We will cover some of the many benefits this new found process and share some examples of places already doing it. Take a listen.
Reference: https://ecori.org/legislation-would-give-rhode-island-residents-chance-to-compost-themselves/ https://legiscan.com/RI/text/H6045/id/2726588 https://earthfuneral.com/resources/most-asked-questions-human-composting/
This week we are gearing up for the holiday season. You can’t think of the Christmas season without thinking of Christmas trees. Unfortunately this year things might be different. We are going to discuss Christmas trees and some of the farms in our area that are having to close early. Why? Take a listen
Do you know what it’s like not to have access to water? This week’s topic is a tough one to discuss and a lot of questions are asked. Recently the Navajo nation in Arizona filed a claim against the State of Arizona regarding the lack of adequate water access on the reservation. So who controls the water on the reservation? Where is the case now? Take listen to find out.
We start the show with spoof from a short video talking about an oil spills and what goes on etc. See Here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m5qxZm_JqM). Although the video is a funny spoof, it brought us to today’s topic about the oil industry. There has been quite a bit of recent news coming out of California, about fossil fuel campaigns that are attacking specific California oil drilling laws. Fossil fuel companies are pouring their record profits into lobbying efforts at all levels of government to try to change laws or get issues on the ballot. We are going to discuss this more in detail and also what does that mean for the environment and for you the consumer.
This week’s topic we are going to discuss the effects climate change has had on the preservation of Historic Cemeteries. The Rhode Island has over 2,000 recognized historic cemeteries. More and more historic cemeteries are becoming increasingly in danger of flooding and are starting to erode. Is it worth the money to save those who are lost? What can we do to fix these issues? We answer these questions and more. BOUNS Question: What is a Taphophile? Take a listen and find out!
This week’s episode is a very hot topic around Rhode Island due to the sheer number of parties involved and the fact that this case has been going on since 2003! We are talking about Champlin’s Marina. If you’re familiar with Block Island, than you know Champlin’s Marina has been there for a while. We discuss their attempt to expand the footprint of its marina to accommodate more boats and why in 2003 the Coastal Resources Management Counsel (CRMC) denied their request for expansion. So why is this important today? Take a listen to find out what’s happing now.
Last show we talked about offshore wind and how some towns are filing a motion to intervene. This episode we are going to give you more of a foundation of what intervening generally looks like and what it actually means.
Have you ever seen one of those giant wind turbines? They convert kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy. Where there is one, chances are there are several dozen more. In this episode we talk about several project that are either in the works now or about to take place with offshore wind. At the moment there isn’t enough public knowledge about what’s happening with our federal waters and then our state waters to the extent that offshore wind projects are using state waters to transmit electricity. The environmental impacts associated with these projects and the impact to the fishing industry and local economies is unknown. We discuss who’s involved and why it’s so important for local communities that are impacted from this get involved and ask questions. Take a listen
What do you know about the Right Whale? It’s never wrong…. But seriously, the Right Whale is on the Endangered Species Act and this week we are talking about this big beautiful mammal. The federal government is proposing that ferries and charter boats will need to move much slower during the off season in Rohde Island and perhaps other areas as well. We discuss how this will affect the local community and what does it mean for the endangered right whale. How many right whales are left in the world? Take a listen to find out.
What do you know about the Right Whale? It’s never wrong…. But seriously, the Right Whale is on the Endangered Species Act and this week we are talking about this big beautiful mammal. The federal government is proposing that ferries and charter boats will need to move much slower during the off season in Rohde Island and perhaps other areas as well. We discuss how this will affect the local community and what does it mean for the endangered right whale. How many right whales are left in the world? Take a listen to find out.
Renewable Energy is a topic that is in the news headlines but there isn't a lot of information available about it. In this episode we are going to provide some background on the history of energy on the planet and then talk about some of the more popular renewable energy sources and projects that are out today. Take a listen.
Renewable Energy is a topic that is in the news headlines but there isn't a lot of information available about it. In this episode we are going to provide some background on the history of energy on the planet and then talk about some of the more popular renewable energy sources and projects that are out today. Take a listen.
Rhode Island, has had a very dry summer season and it’s unusual to have so much rain fall in a very short time in the month of September, but that’s what happen last week. In this episode we are going to discuss the historic amount of rain fall that we experienced last week. We had so much rain that it actually flooded Interstate 95 in Providence at what’s called the Thurbers Avenue curve. The interstate was shut down for hours. We discuss how some people tried pushing through the flooded area in their vehicles and what the outcome was because of their decision. We want to give a HUGE shoutout to all the first responders that came out to help and a very special shoutout out to the Messer Street Fire Station.
Have you ever driven through a flooded area? If so, we want to hear from you! Take a listen
Rhode Island, has had a very dry summer season and it’s unusual to have so much rain fall in a very short time in the month of September, but that’s what happen last week. In this episode we are going to discuss the historic amount of rain fall that we experienced last week. We had so much rain that it actually flooded Interstate 95 in Providence at what’s called the Thurbers Avenue curve. The interstate was shut down for hours. We discuss how some people tried pushing through the flooded area in their vehicles and what the outcome was because of their decision. We want to give a HUGE shoutout to all the first responders that came out to help and a very special shoutout out to the Messer Street Fire Station.
Have you ever driven through a flooded area? If so, we want to hear from you! Take a listen
Ever see those giant ships in port and wonder how it keeps balanced when fully loaded? The ship’s hull can store what is called Ballast water (freshwater or ocean) in it to provide stability and maneuverability during a voyage. That’s this weeks topic, Ballast water. We are going to discuss what happens when a ship travels from one port to the next and then releases the ballast water into the new port. When this happens, sometimes that water is filled with things not common to that area such as, bacteria, various species and become invasive species… Like, Green Crabs for example. Are there regulations in place? What is the international community doing about it? Tune In and find out the answers and learn more about what’s really in water at the ports near you.
Ever see those giant ships in port and wonder how it keeps balanced when fully loaded? The ship’s hull can store what is called Ballast water (freshwater or ocean) in it to provide stability and maneuverability during a voyage. That’s this weeks topic, Ballast water. We are going to discuss what happens when a ship travels from one port to the next and then releases the ballast water into the new port. When this happens, sometimes that water is filled with things not common to that area such as, bacteria, various species and become invasive species… Like, Green Crabs for example. Are there regulations in place? What is the international community doing about it? Tune In and find out the answers and learn more about what’s really in water at the ports near you.
How many times have you opened your refrigerator and found some food stuffed in the back that you forgot about? Most of us has done this at one point or another, so we throw it in the trash and maybe start to feel a little guilty for wasting food. On this episode we have special guest Leo Pollock, he is going to educate you on Food Waste. First things first, What do you define as food waste? What are the different types of food waste? What types of gases it produces? These are just a few questions he answers and also discusses the benefits of composting and how it’s being used in urban areas. Here’s something else to think about… Taking food waste and power a car or using food waste as a natural fertilizer for farms. Get ready to take some notes!
Peace, Love and Cleanup! This week we discuss The Woodstock of cleanups that happen September 9th, 1972 along the Blackstone River. This was the largest single-day clean-up effort in the nation the nation’s history at that time, pulling out debris in the excess of 10,000 tons! So why are we talking about it? This year marks the 50th anniversary and they are going to be doing another clean-up effort along the Blackstone river. Tune in as we give you more groovy details as to what this clean-up is about, why they are doing it and some of the things that were found in that debris back in 1972.
This week we are changing it up a bit and we are going to talk about… ourselves! Get to know us. Tune in and have fun with us this week as we answer some questions that will help you get to know us a little better. Here’s a fun fact… We share the same birthday August 11 how old are we? Next question! We have some fun sharing some things we like and don’t like. Tune in and get to know us! You’ll be glad you did.
A reader asks Clarice and Marisa what they do all day at work, among other things. In this episode they talk a lot about Public Utilities. In Rhode Island we have a Public Utilities Commission (PUC); other states call it something else. Every state has both local and federal regulations they must adhere to, they discuss how it is set up and the functions and more.
This week we bring up an article that was recently published (https://www.gloucestertimes.com/opinion/letter-biden-climate-change-plan-forgets-fishing-industry-communities/article_609745be-09f7-11ed-8d11-8f912596b992.html ) and the current administration visiting the Brayton Point Powerplant. The President has earmarked that facility as the new hub, and infrastructure to transform offshore wind power into electricity, land side. We go into detail and share what this means for the National Environmental Protection Act, or NEPA moving forward. Is it the right thing to do?
Take a listen
This week we are talking with some special guests, Sarah and Monica and we are going to discuss the Portsmouth AgInnovation. The Portsmouth AgInnovation has put together a student driven farm project. The program has been a huge success with the youth. Find out how this came together and what they are doing today.
This week we had a listener ask us to discuss the problems with electrically in the state of Texas, so, we looked it up! You may remember we did an episode on the “Strain on the Grid” (Ep: 038 – Listen here), but today we are going to go a little deeper! There seems to be a serious issue with their infrastructure and their grid to support major weather conditions. We discuss how ERCOT (Energy Reliability Commission of Texas) had recently published an announcement asking for people to voluntarily conserve electricity. And they said it might be because they're running out of electricity. Find out what they were asking people to do and did they ask Commercial business to do this? We talk this and more! Take a listen.
On this episode we had a request from one of our listeners to discuss conservation restrictions. So, we must first understand what are the basics for conservation easement versus conservation restriction. First it’s is a very legally nuanced. It’s important to understand because when you are looking to develop land or if you’re working for government if you’re looking to try to conserve land there are two completely different mechanisms that serve two different legal purposes. We are going to go over the difference between the two and what you should look for. Take a listen.
How much do you really pay attention to climate change? climate change is not a pie in the sky concept anymore, it’s a real problem. Today’s guest Bob Brulli is here to educate us about climate change and what we should look for to have a better understanding of it.
In one of the pervious episodes we discussed solar panels and recently a listener reached out and asked a question. But before we get into that we celebrate 50 years of the clean water act being passed! Now, the question asked was are Solar Panels Hazardous and Toxic? Answer… It depends. Take a listen because we break down what the solar panels are made of, can someone break them down themselves, what do they do with the panels once they have expired and more. WE think you’ll be surprised with the answers! Take a listen and let us know what you think.
Alisa Richardson is a professional engineer and currently working with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. She is the acting administrator of the environmental division at that agency. Prior to being at DOT, Alisa worked for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Take a listen as she shares her story and they discuss what it means being an expert in the field.
Time for a POP Quiz Everybody! Play along with us this week and see how many questions you get right, It’s time to take your “Environmental quiz!” In this episode Clarice is in the hot seat and Marisa is your game show host firing off environmental questions and seeing how many questions they can answer correctly. Play along with us and let us know how you did!
Strain on the Grid refers to drought, in power, in electric power and other sources of power. The grid generally refers to the infrastructure that a utility puts in place to provide power from the generator to the user. When you hear the word “grid” most people think of, Electricity, and now that the weather is warming up, what does that mean for the Grid? What does a rolling blackout mean? What can you do to be ready if the grid goes down. So in this episode we are going to discuss… Yup You guessed it, The Grid. Take a listen.
This week we are talking about Wetlands, but specifically Wetlands reestablishment. If you’ve been with us for a while we did a basic overview of wetlands in episode 9 (click here to listen). Today however we want to focus more on Wetlands reestablishment, which is rebuilding something that was formerly a wetland but has been impacted to such an extent that it’s lost its functions and values. So what happens when someone negatively Impacts a wetland? Do you restore it in the same location? What happens? Take a listen as we answer these questions and more.
This week we are talking about Wetlands, but specifically Wetlands reestablishment. If you’ve been with us for a while we did a basic overview of wetlands in episode 9 (click here to listen). Today however we want to focus more on Wetlands reestablishment, which is rebuilding something that was formerly a wetland but has been impacted to such an extent that it’s lost its functions and values.
So what happens when someone negatively Impacts a wetland? Do you restore it in the same location? What happens? Take a listen as we answer these questions and more.
This weeks topic we are talking about the drought out in California. (insert eye roll we know). But why? It started around the time Marisa was a freshman in college when her college professor stated "the root of all issues on this planet stem from overpopulation". When we put pressure on resources that are shared by everyone, those resources start to become scarce. So what does this have to do with a drought? Take a listen and find out!
We have a very special episode for you this week! We have a very special guest, Zak Mertz, (a.k.a. Superfund Zak) who is the Executive Director of Bird's Eye Cape Wildlife Center, a part of the New England Wildlife Center. We are going to hear Zak's personal story, and cover a full range of wildlife topics. We cover squirrel season, climate change, weather patterns, the harrowing tale of an angry mother raccoon and more.
About the New England Wildlife Center: The nonprofit New England Wildlife Center (a.k.a, the Center or NEWC) is a grassroots, entrepreneurial venture, launched by a group of Massachusetts citizens 33 years ago.With a development department of two, and no outside help, the Center completed an $8 million capital campaign to build the first-in-the-nation wildlife hospital and science education facility constructed to green LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) specifications.
Learn more about the New England Wildlife Center's work at www.newildlife.org.
We start this week’s show off with a friendly Public Service Announcement…. Don’t put your recycling in plastic bags… Thank you. O.K.! Now the topic we are covering this week is Cross Examination. Reason for this is, something that has happened recently at an administrative hearing and the decision the Providence superior court has made about it.
But first, what it an Administrative hearing? An administrative hearing, it's sort of like you're in court, they follow the rules of evidence. They follow the rules of civil procedure to a certain extent, and companies have to be represented by an attorney. If you're an individual, you can go in pro se.
So here is a question for you, if you are an individual and you go pro se, can you cross examine a person or persons? Take a listen as we dig deeper into cross examination during an administrative hearing. The result might shock you.
We start the show off recapping the last episode on Earth Day. Did you know Earth Day is our Second favorite day, next to our birthdays! We get back on track and discuss a very interesting article about how big cats in California were being killed on the ten-line highways out there. Sad story, however there is a twist! There has been talk of building overpass for Animal crossing over these big highways. The good news now is, they are putting that into place. Take a listen as we discuss what this project will look like and how this will better the environment around these areas.
This week we celebrate Earth Day. Earth Day started on April 22nd, 1970, and created by Senator Gaylord Nelson. So in this episode we are going to discuss how Earth Day came into what it is today, what it is and it’s focus. We are also going to talk about how they spread the word back then when there wasn’t social media. Can you name some government organizations that might have been created from this day? We discuss that as well. Take a listen.
The month of April has been designated as Earth Month and we start the show off buy sharing an article we recently have seen about an activity that people are taking part in called… Plogging. Plogging started in Sweden in 2016. plogging is a combination of jogging while picking up trash. So next time you are out on your daily jog, pick up some trash and join the “plogging” movement.
Now besides that, we also cover Stormwater Management. We spoke about this a bit in a previous episode, however, lately we have noticed that the street sweepers are out in most towns in and around our area so they might have some deadline or some state requirement that must be met called a MS Four Permit. So why is this important? It's a permit that every municipality has to comply with. It's a permit that exists as a result of something called a federal Clean Water Act. In Rhode Island, there is a Rhode Island counterpart to that federal act, which allows the state of Rhode Island to be responsible for compliance with the federal Clean Water Act at the state level. What does that have to do with the street sweeping? And does that actually have an environmental impact? Take a listen and find out.
This week we start the show of on something positive, and share in the news of a company buying back old used furniture that you may have bought from them in the past. This bit of news is short lived as we get into a serious topic this week the “Tragedy of Commons”. Ever hear of it?
Tragedy of the Commons is an old theory where the resources of the planet are shared by everyone and once you recognize that everyone shares the same natural resources, we then understand that we need to be taking care of those resources. Take a listen as we give examples of certain resources we all share and how YOU can make a difference.
What is the Federal Endangered Species Act? We are going to talk about how this Act works and what it protects. Have you ever been seen signage or other infostructure that states humans cannot go into a particular area like a sand dune? Well, that’s because that area is trying to protect something called a critical habitat for a particular species. We get into more detail what that means and what organizations play a roll into what species falls under who’s jurisdiction and what they do to help.
Take a listen.
This week we sit down with Narragansett Bay River Keeper, Kate McPherson. We discuss the keeper program and Save the Bay, which is the organization that houses Narragansett Bay, Riverkeeper and it actually has three keepers. So what does a River Keeper do? Take a listen as Kate shares her background and how she got into the position of a River Keeper. Tune in and find out!
This week we are talking about Smart Growth. Sounds like something you add to your plants at home. No, not what we’re talking about. Recently Clarice went to Ohio, and a few month ago Marisa took a trip to Montana. Both states are pretty wide open compared to what we see around Rhode Island. What happens when all the land is gone? You can grow outward any more, you have to grow up. So the idea behind smart growth is that you get developers to start looking at particular areas where they can mix uses, commercial and residential, retail and residential in a setting that already has some infrastructure. So you’re not necessarily even talking about new development. You could be talking about redevelopment.
Take a listen
Little different kind of show this episode. We got an interesting article from a listener and we put Marisa on the spot.
There is a crane-topped vessel that sunk in the Providence River and has been there about four years. So, some questions arise from this, who’s crane is it? Can it be removed? Who is now responsible for it and will it hurt the surrounding environment? State environmental officials have been trying for years to come up with a proper way to remove this barge without causing more pollution and doing as little additional damage to the environment as possible.
Take a listen as we answer these questions and discuss in more details about parties involved and actions that can be taken.
This week's topic might just shock you a little bit, we are going to discuss renewable energy not necessarily being environmentally friendly. WHAT!? This topic was sparked by the Super Bowl commercials that were played this year. There was a clear overarching theme in all of the commercials. Renewable energy for cars. American Capitalism is making a huge push in the market for things like electric cars, but why and what does it take to make this happen? We use an example of whats going on with the wind farm right off the cost of Rhode Island. We are going to share what's really going on!
Attorney-Client Communication is crucial between parties. What does that relationship look like? What are you both getting yourselves into? On this episode, hosts Marisa and Clarice dive into the context of attorney-client privilege, and the concept that communication between an attorney and their client is so sacrosanct that it requires an extra level of protection. Learn more about Desautel Law at desautelesq.com.
So what is a carbon footprint? Almost every living thing on the planet creates emissions. In case you don’t know, methane and carbon emissions are a big issue for everyone on the planet because they result in greenhouse gas increases which then contribute to warming of the planet. We are going to learn more about carbon footprints, where they come from and what you can do to reduce it. Take a listen.
This week is all about Discovery. No, not the discovery of new land or things on the beach or in your woods, we are talking about things you can bring as evidence into court.
In this episode we are going to discuss, Land Use. Marissa talks about a recent trip to Montana and how it got her thinking about how unfortunate it is that in this country, our development and land use policies don't seem to have a lot of forward thinking contained in them. There is a battle between progress and conservation. Take a listen to find out what we mean.
In this episode we are going to discuss the Seekonk River oil spill. There has been two spills in this area over the past few months and we are going to discuss what happens is you have contaminated soil on a property, we will explain what a C-A-P is, (the environment remediation industry will put into place as an engineer to control for a contaminated site) and a little history about the site of the spill.
This week we are going to discuss due process in the context of a municipal setting, but the concept of due process can apply, as well, to any government body, state, municipal, federal. Without getting too much into the weeds here, there are two different types of due process considerations. One is called procedural due process and the other is substantive due process.
Woolly Mammoth! That got your attention didn’t it. We start the show off by putting Marissa in the hot seat and after a few laughs, we dive in to this week’s topic of, questions you should ask when you're looking to hire an environmental or land use attorney. Take a listen to the things you should be ask and were you should look when hiring an Environmental Attorney.
Aquaculture is a water-based farm in the sense of it’s like salmon farms or oysters or clams or, different types of fish. It even extends out to types of seaweeds. So it’s farming but it’s in the sea. The aquaculture industry is composed of folks that are looking to create farms that are water dependent to grow and then eventually harvest and sell on the open market. Take a listen as we discuss government is involved when permitting these kinds of projects and what really goes into it.
This episode we are talking about witness testimony. Tune in as we have some laughs with this one. We discuss the different types of witness’s, who considered an expert, and we share a funny story that’s sure to make you smile.
On this episode, we are talking about stormwater Dischargers. We are going to discuss some of the regulations, what is considered stormwater, where and how storm water is collected and the difference between a pervious and impervious surface.
The Rhode Island Open Meetings Act is aimed at making sure that government is operating appropriately. It dictates how public entities can meet, how they cannot meet, what they can talk about, how the agendas need to be noticed and certain deadlines and time frames. Take a listen as we dive into more detail and give examples go the Rhode Island Open Meetings Act.
This week we are talking about how to become an Environmental Attorney. We discuss some classes we have taken, things that helped get us through law school and some of the pros and cons to being an Environmental Attorney.
This episode we are talking about Public Beach Access, what it means for people who property directly on the ocean or, adjacent to the setback to the ocean. What does it mean when you live on a beach and you have people walking the shoreline picking seashells or laying on the beach in front of your house? Can they do that? Is it trespassing? Take a listen to find out what you should do if this happens to you.
This week we talk about Commercial Conveyances. Unlike Residential Conveyances, like the ones we spoke about in episode ten, Commercial Conveyances are less tricky. You would be surprised how many companies buy property without looking to see first if its contaminated. So, who’s responsible for the cleanup? Tune in to find out the anser to that question and many more.
We are talking about Residential Property Transactions. If you’ve ever bought or sold a home, you know that as part of that transaction you must pay some hefty costs to both the attorney and to your lender. Why? It’s because if you’re borrowing money from a traditional lending institution the lending institution wants to make sure that their liability as it relates to the asset (the house) is nonexistent. How do you find out about transactions that have happened on a property, what do they mean? Take a listen to find out.
In this week’s episode, we are going to discuss freshwater wetlands.
If you're dealing with freshwater wetlands here in Rhode Island, it’s the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management that regulates freshwater wetlands. You should know that the state law that regulates freshwater wetlands is called the freshwater wetlands act. It talks about how the public policy of the state is to preserve the purity and integrity of freshwater wetlands, buffers and floodplains. We are going to break these down in a little more detail so you have a better understanding of the three different categories of preservation listed.
In this episode we are going to discuss Gray Water. Gray water is a term that refers to water that comes from your bathroom sink, shower, washing machines. It is used water, however, it doesn't contain any sort of human excrement bacteria. why is that important and what can you do with "gray water". Take a listen to find out what gray water can be used for.
Storm water, for those of you that don’t know what it is, is pretty much what it sounds like. It’s water that flows after a storm. You have probably seen the catch basins in the road as you're driving along. That is a storm water collection system that you’re looking at with that catch basin, the grates in the road. Its job is to collect the storm water from the street and divert it elsewhere. Where you ask? Good question!
Take a listen as we discuss what storm water really is and how it effects your local areas.
Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is a commission that's created by state law in Rhode Island. Specifically, they are mandated to supervise, regulate, and make written orders dealing with company conduct, which companies offer to the public energy communication and transportation services. Take a listen as we breakdown in more detail who the PUC is, the different bodies of it and how they make your city or town function over all.
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In this episode you will hear from Karen who shares her experience as an intern at Desautel Law, what it meant to her and what her future plans are.
Superfund is, a colloquial term that the United States Environmental Protection Agency dubbed appropriate for a federal statute. That federal statute is called the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act. The acronym for that is CERCLA. So when you hear someone talking about CERCLA, that’s the long name for that particular federal statute.
Why superfund? Because part of the statute requires the federal government to set up essentially what is a Superfund, a huge pot of money – billions of dollars – that is earmarked to deal with immediate cleanup and emergency response actions for these particular polluted sites that are either burning or exploding or generally require an emergency response act.
Listen in as we discuss Superfund sites, what all is involved and how long cases like these stay open.
Public Notice is a way to keep the public informed and to ensure that the government is being transparent about topics that are not confidential and allows an opportunity for the public to be involved, to provide comment, to ask questions to a certain extent and give feedback on topics.
Take a listen as we discuss Public Notice from an environmental context, who would be involved and what to look for.
On this episode of environmentally speaking, Marisa and Clarice talk about the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and what to do if you get a notice of a violation. Marisa recommends that you first pay attention to any appeal rights that are contained in that notice. Listen to this episode to learn more.
This is actually a really important area of law because if you’re a corporate entity you have to register with the state that you’re doing business in and part of that registration process requires that you appoint something called a registered agent. Take a listen as we discuss in more detail what is a Registered Agent and why it's important for you to have one.