7 episodes

Join the Ecobot team as they talk with environmental experts about their work and how they’re influencing the environmental industry.

Ecobite Ecobot

    • Science

Join the Ecobot team as they talk with environmental experts about their work and how they’re influencing the environmental industry.

    Amy Gutierrez, The Nature Conservancy: Unlocking Solar Potential with the LISST Tool

    Amy Gutierrez, The Nature Conservancy: Unlocking Solar Potential with the LISST Tool

    In this episode, explore the world of the Georgia Low Impact Solar Siting Tool (LISST) and its effect on the solar industry with Amy Gutierrez and Liv Haney. Follow the tool's evolution from a graduate school project into a critical resource for solar developers in Georgia. Gutierrez shows how LISST plays a pivotal role in environmental conservation efforts using intricate layers and datasets that comprise the solar suitability index. She discusses how LISST could be used for other renewable energy sources, and the exciting possibilities for maximizing co-benefits in solar site design. Plus, don't miss the discussion on how data collected by consultants can further sharpen the tool's effectiveness.
    If you'd like more context to our conversation or a crash course on the topic, please view the Ecobite video recording by visiting www.ecobot.com or by searching "Ecobite" on YouTube before getting started with each episode.

    • 34 min
    Grace Donnelly, CTVC - Investing in Climate Tech: Unraveling the Complexity and Growth Trends

    Grace Donnelly, CTVC - Investing in Climate Tech: Unraveling the Complexity and Growth Trends

    In this episode, we're delving into the fascinating world of Climate Tech with Grace Donnelly, Executive Editor for CTVC. Join Liv Haney and Chris Fleming as they explore the intricacies of Climate Tech, its different verticals, how it's distinct from Green Tech and Clean Tech, and how CTVC's taxonomy clarifies the diverse landscape of Climate Tech, focusing on climate mitigation, measurements, and adaptation. Grace sheds light on the current investment trends, sharing insights from their report on funding activity during the first half of 2023. Learn about the varying investment scenarios across different sectors of technology, including energy, transportation, and the built environment. As we confront the challenges and opportunities of building a sustainable future, this episode serves as an eye-opening exploration of the pivotal role Climate Tech plays in combating climate change and shaping a greener world.
    Want to see the data for yourself? Check out these resources mentioned in the episode: 
    The H1 2023 funding reportCTVC's insights platformTopic features, including...Project FinanceTax creditsVCs Investing in Climate TechThe Climate Capital StackSign up for CTVC's newsletter here!
    If you'd like more context to our conversation or a crash course on the topic, please view the Ecobite video recording by visiting www.ecobot.com or by searching "Ecobite" on YouTube before getting started with each episode.

    • 35 min
    Fred Wagner, Venable LLP - Understanding the Complexities of Waters Regulation and Exploring Sackett vs. EPA

    Fred Wagner, Venable LLP - Understanding the Complexities of Waters Regulation and Exploring Sackett vs. EPA

    In this episode of the Ecobite Podcast, join Liv Haney, Product Manager for Ecobot, and her co-host Chris Fleming as they dive into a discussion with guest Fred Wagner about the long-standing debate surrounding Waters of the US (WOTUS) and implications of Sackett vs. EPA. They explore the lack of clarity and certainty in the interpretation of the Clean Water Act, leading to multiple court cases and differing opinions. The episode delves into the challenges faced by Congress in drafting clear laws, the lack of consistent enforcement by regulatory agencies, and the confusion this causes those trying to understand their rights in regard to WOTUS. The hosts also discuss the potential implications of the court's rulings on state-level regulations and the involvement of advocacy groups. Tune in to gain insights into the complexities of water regulation and the ongoing pursuit of certainty in environmental law.
    For more background on WOTUS and an analysis of the most recent Sackett v. EPA decision by the Supreme Court, visit Ecobot's interactive StoryMap.
    If you'd like more context to our conversation or a crash course on the topic, please view the Ecobite video recording by visiting www.ecobot.com or by searching "Ecobite" on YouTube before getting started with each episode.

    • 39 min
    Mike Rolband, Virginia DEQ - Virginia's PEEP Program and the Path Towards Faster Environmental Permitting Turnaround

    Mike Rolband, Virginia DEQ - Virginia's PEEP Program and the Path Towards Faster Environmental Permitting Turnaround

    In this episode, Cameron and Liv explore the depths of Michael Rollband's presentation on permitting innovation, electronic permitting, and permit tracking, particularly highlighting the Permit Enhancement and Evaluation Program (PEEP) in Virginia, launched earlier this year. Mike brings a unique perspective, combining his engineering background with his expertise in navigating environmental permitting. The conversation also touches upon the crucial collaboration between engineers and environmental professionals to get better outcomes for both the built environment and the environment in general. Mike emphasizes the need for better communication and appreciation among professionals with diverse backgrounds, and he shares his experiences in bridging the gap between engineers and environmental scientists, finding innovative solutions. Tune in to this episode for an enlightening conversation on environmental permitting and the future of e-submittals.
    If you'd like more context to our conversation or a crash course on the topic, please view the Ecobite video recording by visiting www.ecobot.com or by searching "Ecobite" on YouTube before getting started with each episode.

    • 24 min
    Jessie Mahr, EPIC - Innovative Approaches to Wetland Restoration Monitoring and Permitting

    Jessie Mahr, EPIC - Innovative Approaches to Wetland Restoration Monitoring and Permitting

    In this episode, we’re joined by members of the Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) team Jessie Mahr, Director of Technology, and Becca Madsen, Director of the Restoration Economy Center. Jessie shares how she landed at EPIC advocating for innovation and digitization in the environmental industry, after experiencing firsthand the difficulties in accessing and obtaining high-quality field data as a field scientist, and then hitting up against resistance to technology within the industry while working at an environmental tech company. Becca continues the conversation by discussing where innovations in the environmental permitting process are currently taking place, specifically the Permitting Enhancement and Evaluation Platform (PEEP) within the Virginia DEQ allowing applicants to view their permit status throughout the entire submission process.
    If you'd like more context to our conversation or a crash course on the topic at hand, please view the Ecobite video recording by visiting www.ecobot.com or by searching "Ecobite" on YouTube before getting started with each episode.
    Artificial Intelligence Deep Learning Model for Mapping Wetlands Yields 94% Accuracy

    It’s Time to Invest in a Modern Map of our Nation's Wetlands

    If You Can Track a Pizza, You Can Track a Permit

    Accelerating Technology Projects in Environmental Agencies: Technology Provider Obstacles and Strategies to Overcome Them

    • 35 min
    Sunny Fleming, Esri - The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act's impact on the environmental industry

    Sunny Fleming, Esri - The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act's impact on the environmental industry

    Have you read the IIJA cover to cover? Special guest Sunny Fleming has! In this episode, Cameron, Liv and Sunny Fleming of Esri are discussing The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the impacts it will have on the environmental industry. Hear more about timelines, how the government can streamline permitting operations, and how new and existing funding initiatives are targeting lofty goals while innovating how we conduct business.
    If you'd like more context to our conversation and or a crash course on the topic at hand, please view the Ecobite video recording by visiting www.ecobot.com or by searching "Ecobite" on YouTube before getting started with each episode.

    • 30 min

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