Welcome to The Zenergy Podcast! On today's episode, host Karan Takhar, sits down with Heidi Binko, Co-Founder and CEO of Just Transition Fund. They begin with an overview of JTF, the work they are doing in coal communities around the U.S., and a summary of the broader energy landscape. Then, they discuss what happens to a local economy when their coal plant shuts down and how JTF works to support these communities during a time of transition. Heidi and Karan chat about what’s driving coal out of these communities, what strategies JTF employs to reach the hardest hit communities, and what conversations they are having with community members. JTF has helped secure over $2 billion in grants and other assistance and has also aided in connecting coal communities across the nation so they can share what they have done to grow their economy. They touch briefly on federal funding, why investments such as the IRA and the CHIPS Act may not have landed with people in these communities as well as what impact the current federal funding freeze has on energy projects. Finally, Heidi shares her excitement for JTF’s 10-year anniversary. Be sure to listen through to the end of the episode for ways you can get involved with JTF or visit their website ⁠at https://justtransitionfund.org/.

Resources:

•  What does 'just transition' really mean?⁠, Canary Media, 2022

• ⁠Fossil Fuel-Producing Communities Face a 'Cumulative Burden' of Pollution, Poor Health and Job Loss in the US⁠, World Resources Institute, 2023 

• ⁠American Made: What Happens to People When Work Disappears⁠ a book by Farah Stockman