Volts is a podcast about leaving fossil fuels behind. I've been reporting on and explaining clean-energy topics for almost 20 years, and I love talking to politicians, analysts, innovators, and activists about the latest progress in the world's most important fight. (Volts is entirely subscriber-supported. Sign up!) www.volts.wtf
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High Voltage Discussions for Low Voltage Professionals! Join Josh Bowman as he delves into the world of Low Voltage with expert guests, covering everything from cutting-edge tech and innovative business strategies to effective marketing and sales techniques. Discover insights from the brightest minds in Security, Audio/Visual, Telecom, Structured Cabling, and Networking. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this podcast is your go-to resource for staying ahead in the industry. ...
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LJ Tucker shares how he turned his life around and became a husband, father, and business owner. Explore topics such as family, faith, and entrepreneurship.
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I'm joined by Eric Gimon to discuss "energy parks" — essentially large-scale microgrids that combine renewable generation, storage, and industrial loads behind a single grid connection. We explore how this model could accelerate clean energy deployment while creating new economic opportunities, despite some complex regulatory hurdles. (PDF transcri…
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Episode 08: BadgePass, Blunt Marketing & Snoop on a Stoop W/Lindsay Martin-Nez
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Send us a text 🎙️ 49 Volts Episode 8: BadgePass, Blunt Marketing, and Snoop on a Stoop 🎄- with Lindsay Martin-Nez Join us for an electrifying episode featuring Lindsay Martin-Nez, CEO of BadgePass, where we dive into the quirky and innovative side of the security industry! 🚪🔑 We cover: The BadgePass Story: From humble beginnings in the '70s to crea…
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Assembling diverse resources into super-powered "energy parks"
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1:09:22
I'm joined by Eric Gimon to discuss "energy parks" — essentially large-scale microgrids that combine renewable generation, storage, and industrial loads behind a single grid connection. We explore how this model could accelerate clean energy deployment while creating new economic opportunities, despite some complex regulatory hurdles. This is a pub…
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In this episode, I talk with Matt Traldi, co-founder of Greenlight America, about the fight for clean energy at the local level. We discuss how small groups of opponents are successfully blocking renewable projects across the country, and how his organization is working to turn the tide by mobilizing local supporters and giving them the tools to ad…
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Organizing local support for clean energy projects
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1:09:43
In this episode, I talk with Matt Traldi, co-founder of Greenlight America, about the fight for clean energy at the local level. We discuss how small groups of opponents are successfully blocking renewable projects across the country, and how his organization is working to turn the tide by mobilizing local supporters and giving them the tools to ad…
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In this episode, I revisit thermal energy networks with HEET's Zeyneb Magavi and Eversource's Eric Bosworth. What was once a novel concept — replacing gas networks with shared ground-source heat pumps — is now being piloted across the country. We explore the technology's remarkable efficiency and its potential to revolutionize heating and cooling —…
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Thermal energy networks are the next big thing
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In this episode, I revisit thermal energy networks with HEET's Zeyneb Magavi and Eversource's Eric Bosworth. What was once a novel concept - replacing gas networks with shared ground-source heat pumps - is now being piloted across the country. We explore the technology's remarkable efficiency and its potential to revolutionize heating and cooling —…
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In this episode, I speak with Ben Brown, CEO of Renew Home, about the company's groundbreaking 1-gigawatt virtual power plant deal with NRG Energy in Texas. It will be the nation’s largest VPP, leveraging existing smart thermostats to control millions of residential HVAC systems. We discuss customer experience, data privacy, and the ability of VPPs…
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The promise of residential VPPs
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In this episode, I speak with Ben Brown, CEO of Renew Home, about the company's groundbreaking 1-gigawatt virtual power plant deal with NRG Energy in Texas. It will be the nation’s largest VPP, leveraging existing smart thermostats to control millions of residential HVAC systems. We discuss customer experience, data privacy, and the ability of VPPs…
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In this episode, I speak with Pier LaFarge, CEO of Sparkfund, who challenges the traditional antagonism between utilities and distributed energy advocates. While investor-owned utilities have long been seen as obstacles to clean energy adoption, LaFarge argues that they're actually essential to scaling DERs in an era of explosive electricity demand…
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Should we put utilities in charge of distributed energy?
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In this episode, I speak with Pier LaFarge, CEO of Sparkfund, who challenges the traditional antagonism between utilities and distributed energy advocates. While investor-owned utilities have long been seen as obstacles to clean energy adoption, LaFarge argues that they're actually essential to scaling DERs in an era of explosive electricity demand…
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In this episode, I speak with Malcolm Woolf and Connor Nelson about hydropower's underappreciated role in America's clean energy landscape. While providing most of our energy storage and thus supporting solar and wind deployments, hydropower faces significant challenges, with a decade-long relicensing processes and inadequate market compensation. W…
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Time to stop taking hydropower for granted?
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1:02:51
In this episode, I speak with Malcolm Woolf and Connor Nelson about hydropower's underappreciated role in America's clean energy landscape. While providing most of our energy storage and thus supporting solar and wind deployments, hydropower faces significant challenges, with a decade-long relicensing processes and inadequate market compensation. W…
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In this episode, I chat with author Cory Doctorow about "enshittification," his viral term for how digital platforms and smart technologies inevitably get worse over time. We explore how monopoly power, aggressive IP protections, and lax privacy law enable companies to capture and exploit users — and what that might mean for the clean energy transi…
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Can we avoid the enshittification of clean-energy tech?
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1:37:15
In this episode, I chat with author Cory Doctorow about "enshittification," his viral term for how digital platforms and smart technologies inevitably get worse over time. We explore how monopoly power, aggressive IP protections, and lax privacy law enable companies to capture and exploit users — and what that might mean for the clean energy transi…
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In this episode, I talk with Kate Gordon, CEO of California Forward, about how climate change is breaking the insurance industry. We discuss why insurers are fleeing high-risk states, the limitations of government backstops, and the looming political and financial crisis as communities face hard choices about where people can safely live. (PDF tran…
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Climate change and insurance: a growing fustercluck
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In this episode, I talk with Kate Gordon, CEO of California Forward, about how climate change is breaking the insurance industry. We discuss why insurers are fleeing high-risk states, the limitations of government backstops, and the looming political and financial crisis as communities face hard choices about where people can safely live. This is a…
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In this episode, I talk with Caroline Spears of Climate Cabinet about the results of the state and local climate races her organization tracked in 2024. We discuss the importance of these often-overlooked state and local races for climate progress, the challenges of the current political information environment, and Climate Cabinet's strategy for b…
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Checking in on local and state climate races
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In this episode, I talk with Caroline Spears of Climate Cabinet about the results of the state and local climate races her organization tracked in 2024. We discuss the importance of these often-overlooked state and local races for climate progress, the challenges of the current political information environment, and Climate Cabinet's strategy for b…
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In this episode, I talk with Ray Minjares of ICCT and Jacqueline Torres of Forum Mobility about the electrification of heavy trucks, from drayage at ports to long-haul big rigs. We dig into charging challenges, innovative financing models, and the massive pollution cuts possible by transitioning fleets. Electric trucks are here — but they need the …
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Electrifying big trucks
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In this episode, I talk with Ray Minjares of ICCT and Jacqueline Torres of Forum Mobility about the electrification of heavy trucks, from drayage at ports to long-haul big rigs. We dig into charging challenges, innovative financing models, and the massive pollution cuts possible by transitioning fleets. Electric trucks are here — but they need the …
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In this episode, I talk with activist, sex advice columnist, and progressive journalist Dan Savage about the legacy of “The Urban Archipelago,” a groundbreaking piece he commissioned and edited two decades ago in the wake of GW Bush’s reelection, urging Democrats to embrace cities as their political base and future. We explore how NIMBY-captured De…
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Dan Savage on blue America in the age of Trump
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1:09:20
In this episode, I talk with activist, sex advice columnist, and progressive journalist Dan Savage about the legacy of “The Urban Archipelago,” a groundbreaking piece he commissioned and edited two decades ago in the wake of GW Bush’s reelection, urging Democrats to embrace cities as their political base and future. We explore how NIMBY-captured De…
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In this episode, I chat with Sunrun CEO Mary Powell about how residential solar is evolving into much more than just panels. We dive into Sunrun’s expansion as a “clean energy lifestyle” brand, Mary’s belief in a customer-led energy transition, and alternatives to the tech bros' virile obsession with nuclear power. (PDF transcript) (Active transcri…
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Residential solar is becoming residential solar + storage + VPP
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In this episode, I chat with Sunrun CEO Mary Powell about how residential solar is evolving into much more than just panels. We dive into Sunrun’s expansion as a “clean energy lifestyle” brand, Mary’s belief in a customer-led energy transition, and alternatives to the tech bros' virile obsession with nuclear power. This is a public episode. If you’…
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In this episode, I talk with Bill Moyer, founder of the Reconnect America campaign, about the huge, untapped potential of U.S. railroads to support the clean energy transition. Bill makes the case that our privately owned rail system, focused on short-term profits, is missing out on big public benefits—like shifting freight from roads to rails, red…
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How railroads could boost the US energy transition
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In this episode, I talk with Bill Moyer, founder of the Reconnect America campaign, about the huge, untapped potential of U.S. railroads to support the clean energy transition. Bill makes the case that our privately owned rail system, focused on short-term profits, is missing out on big public benefits—like shifting freight from roads to rails, red…
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Episode 07: How to Build an Integrator With Kyle Baker
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Send us a text 🎙️ Welcome back to 49V! Join Josh as he dives into an inspiring conversation with Kyle Baker from Sophia Consulting. Today, Kyle shares his incredible journey of building a purpose-driven company in the low-voltage integration world – with a commitment to both his team and clients. Discover how Kyle went from the golf industry to lau…
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In this episode, I chat with Ari Matusiak, co-founder and head of Rewiring America, which recently received a $2 billion grant from the feds to take home electrification mainstream. We dig into the practical challenges — getting local contractors on board, simplifying rebate access — and the enormous opportunities. (PDF transcript) (Active transcri…
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How is electrification going?
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In this episode, I chat with Ari Matusiak, co-founder and head of Rewiring America, which recently received a $2 billion grant from the feds to take home electrification mainstream. We dig into the practical challenges — getting local contractors on board, simplifying rebate access — and the enormous opportunities. This is a public episode. If you’…
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Episode 06: The Future of Structured Cabling W/Chuck Bowser
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Send us a text Welcome back to 49 Volts! In this episode, host Josh Bowman sits down with industry expert Chuck Bowser, RCDD, for a deep dive into the ever-evolving world of low voltage and structured cabling. With over 40 years of experience, Chuck shares insights on topics like smart buildings, IoT, and the career paths available in the ICT field…
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Tying utility profits to actually doing a good job
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In this episode, we’re diving into the wonky but vital topic of performance-based utility regulation (PBR) with Cara Goldenberg and Laura Gonzalez. We discuss how traditional utility regulation creates perverse incentives for utilities — and the tools PBR offers to better align incentives with modern priorities to like resilience, equity, and decar…
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Episode 04: The Evolution of Security with Chuck Harold
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Send us a text In this episode of the 49V Podcast, host Josh Bowman sits down with Chuck Harold, a veteran in the security industry and founder of SecurityGuyTV.com. Known for his extensive experience in security, broadcasting, and his candid interviews, Chuck shares the journey of his career — from his early days in law enforcement to his current …
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Episode 05: The Folly of Fail Posts W/Baer Halvorson
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Send us a text 49 VOLTS EP 05 - The Folly of Fail Posts with Baer Halvorson In this engaging episode of 49V, host Josh Bowman welcomes Bear Halvorson from the Security Today Podcast to discuss the dynamic and sometimes humorous side of the security industry. With over 12 years of experience in Security, Locksmithing and Podcasting, Baer brings a we…
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Episode 29 - Physical Fitness
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In this episode of the 7,000 Volts, Living an Electrified Life podcast, LJ Tucker and guest Angie Balfour, a personal trainer, discuss the importance of physical fitness in everyday life. Angie shares her journey from pursuing a career as a physician's assistant to becoming a personal trainer, driven by her passion for fitness and lifestyle adjustm…
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The Department of Energy has gotten serious about technology commercialization
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Vanessa Chan, DOE’s Chief Commercialization Officer, to discuss the challenges of commercializing new clean energy technologies. Her office has helped develop a common vocabulary among stakeholders (“adoption readiness levels”) and concentrated the attention of public and private capital on certain key technolog…
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Episode 03: Innovation in Access Control W/Eric Brinks
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Send us a text Welcome to Episode 3 of the 49V Podcast, where Josh Bowman chats with Eric Brinks, Director of Partnerships at Spintly, a rising star in access control and IoT. In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge BLE Mesh Architecture and how Spintly is hoping to reshape the U.S. market after establishing a strong foothold in India. 💡 Key T…
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Digging into one of this year's most important-but-overlooked clean energy elections
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In this episode, Ylenia Aguilar joins me to discuss her candidacy for the Arizona Corporation Commission. We examine the ACC’s history of rubber stamping rate hikes, dismantling renewable energy initiatives, and generally pandering to utilities. Three ACC seats are up for election this year and the outcomes could have a profound impact on the state…
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What Allison Clements thinks about the grid
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In this episode, I sit down with Allison Clements, former FERC commissioner, to discuss her time at the commission and the challenges of grid modernization. We dive into the complexities of integrating clean energy, reforms to interconnection queues, and how the commission can take a more active role in the energy transition. This is a public episo…
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What's the deal with the Texas Railroad Commission?
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In this episode, I explore the controversial Texas Railroad Commission with Virginia Palacios of Commission Shift. We discuss the commission's history, its misleading name, its cozy relationship with the oil & gas industry it's meant to oversee, and its role before and after the devastating Winter Storm Uri, where lax regulation contributed to wide…
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A closer look at Pennsylvania, the swingiest of swing states
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In this episode, I explore the political landscape of Pennsylvania with state Rep. Leanne Krueger. We discuss the state's nail-biting elections, the outsized political influence of fracking, and the uphill battle for clean energy legislation in a divided legislature. Krueger provides a boots-on-the-ground perspective on climate and energy politics …
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Episode 28 - Creating Connections
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In this episode of "7,000 Volts: Living an Electrified Life," titled "Connections, Creating Connections," host LJ Tucker and guest Dawn Webb discuss the importance of positive communication, mindset, and relationships in both personal and professional life. They emphasize the power of words to uplift and the role of mindset in shaping success, shar…
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A new way to retrofit old buildings ... from the outside
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In this episode, I geek out with David Goldstein, founder of Hydronic Shell Technologies, about a novel building retrofit technology that wraps old multifamily structures in insulated panels with built-in HVAC systems. Goldstein's approach allows for energy-efficient upgrades without interior disruption, potentially solving a major challenge in bui…
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How the Biden investments are changing America
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In this episode, we explore the Biden administration's ambitious industrial investment strategy with Heather Boushey, a member of the President's Council of Economic Advisors and chief economist for his Invest in America Cabinet. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ww…
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Episode 27 - A Call to Action: I Want to Hear from You!
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In this podcast episode titled "7,000 Volts, Living an Electrified Life," LJ Tucker reflects on the importance of mastering life's challenges by returning to the basics. Drawing from over 20 years of personal and professional experiences, he encourages listeners to share their own stories of overcoming obstacles. He emphasizes the value of maintain…
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A tool that enables solar-first home electrification
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California homeowners face a complex puzzle in decarbonizing their homes: electrification without rooftop solar could increase bills due to expensive electricity, while installing solar first risks oversizing or underutilizing the system. Balto Energy, a startup founded by James Quazi, uses AI to analyze utility bills and recommend the most cost-ef…
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This new organization wants to remake PUCs for the energy transition
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Public utility commissions (PUCs) wield enormous influence in the US energy transition — they regulate the monopolistic utilities at the heart of America's electricity system but face little public scrutiny. Now, energy analyst Charles Hua is launching PowerLines, a nonprofit that aims to pull PUCs into the spotlight. In this episode, we discuss th…
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Episode 26 - Mastering the Fundamentals of Life & Business
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In this episode of "7,000 Volts, Living an Electrified Life," host LJ Tucker speaks with guest Sanjar Shadiev about the balance between family, business, and personal development. Sanjar shares his experiences as a former professional tennis player from Uzbekistan and the journey of continually recreating himself—whether in sports, business, or par…
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Developing a supply chain for American-made batteries
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There has been an epic battle over the past 20 years between two types of lithium-ion batteries: nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP). While NMC still boasts better energy density, LFP is making a major comeback thanks to its safer, more accessible materials and improving performance. However, China still dominates the LFP…
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How to activate climate voters
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The Environmental Voter Project has a unique approach: rather than convincing people to care about climate change, it identifies people who already do, but don't consistently vote, and works to get them to the polls. In this episode, EVP founder Nathaniel Stinnett discusses how to find these voters, keep them engaged, and measure their impact. This…
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