EcoRight Speaks

Host Chelsea Henderson was recently asked to join the steering committee of the Thriving Economy Project, a coalition of members of Congress, former senior congressional aides, officials from multiple presidential administrations and leading energy and environmental policy experts. The group is collaborating on a new policy blueprint aimed at strengthening economic competitiveness, creating jobs, and delivering affordable and reliable energy for American families and businesses. An upcoming report in September 2026 will outline a blueprint to build a thriving economy for all Americans.
Joining us this week is the Congressional lead for the section of the report advising on 21st-century agricultural opportunities. Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, a Democrat from Illinois, is leading the recommendations that will help farmers have stable, diversified income streams; drive innovation and adaptation; and make farming more sustainable, more lucrative, and healthier for all. She brings a wealth of experience both in her district, which features a strong agricultural constituency, and her work protecting workers and strengthening the middle class.

American Action Forum's Shuting Pomerleau explains what the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is and how it works.

After joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in 2021 before leaving in 2023, the state of Virginia recently re-entered the environmental pact. In this episode, Shuting Pomerleau of the American Action Forum shares research that shows the pressure Virginia is putting on itself and the utility sector, pressure borne by ratepayers, by rejoining the carbon pricing pact, while also adhering to the strict greenhouse gas emissions cuts currently on the state’s books and trying to meet the demands of the AI energy boom.

Economist Nat Keohane from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions on some of the keys to finding a durable policy solution to climate change.

In this kickoff episode of season 13, longtime policy expert and economist Nat Keohane (Center for Climate and Energy Solutions) talks about achieving bipartisan consensus on clean energy policies from the ground up, building support with corporate America that has reverberating impacts in local communities and their economies. In particular, the American Southeast is thriving and has the potential to own the Advanced Energy Economy. 
Dr. Keohane also gives an update on where Capitol Hill stands on permitting reform and Congress’s best chance at bipartisan cooperation this year. Don't miss this first episode of our new season!