Lithium Episodes
Examining the rush for lithium extraction in the American West, its effects on fragile desert ecosystems, Indigenous lands, and water resources, and the push for sustainable alternatives.
March 18, 2025
S4E8: Plan Sonora: The New Face of Green Colonialism
Chris Clarke hosts an engaging discussion with Caroline Tracey, a journalist with The Border Chronicle, on the environmental and political challenges surrounding Plan Sonora, Mexico's ambitious renewable energy project. They examine the complex issues of lithium mining, solar and natural gas develo…
March 4, 2025
S4E6: The Desert Speaks Out
Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke delves into two pivotal events illuminating the current challenges and triumphs in desert conservation efforts. The episode captures the essence o...
Jan. 21, 2025
S4E2: Good News at Ash Meadows
About the Guest: Mason Voehl is the Executive Director of the Amargosa Conservancy, which works to protect and celebrate the valuable ecosystems within the Amargosa Basin. Voehl's work includes a special focus on groundwater ...
Nov. 12, 2024
S3E33: Dr. Naomi Fraga on the Frontlines of Botanical Conservation
Join host Chris Clarke and guest Dr. Naomi Fraga, Director of Conservation Programs at the California Botanic Garden, as they explore the challenges and successes in desert plant conservation in Nevada. Discover the plight of...
June 26, 2024
S3E20: Desert Protection versus Climate Capitalism: Can we have both?
A representative of a Canadian mining firm poised to damage Ash Meadows and the Amargosa says opponents might be shills for oil and gas companies. We take him to task. We often hear that sacrificing natural landscapes is a ne...
May 21, 2024
S3E16: Ash Meadows Faces New Mining Threat
In this episode we welcome back Mason Voehl from the Amargosa Conservancy for an engaging and informative update on the situation surrounding Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and the threat of lithium mining explorations ...
July 11, 2023
S2E10 Save Ash Meadows!
Mason Voehl from the Amargosa Conservancy joins hosts Chris Clarke and Alicia Pike to discuss the threat posed by a Canadian mining company's plans to conduct exploratory drilling for lithium near the Ash Meadows National Wil...