41. Keeping the Gulf of Mexico Healthy

41. Keeping the Gulf of Mexico Healthy

Author: Jenn Galler August 21, 2026 Duration: 22:26

In this episode, we’re talking about the Gulf of Mexico, its incredible ecosystems, the communities that depend on it, and the environmental challenges it has faced for generations.

I talk with Alex Horn, Communications Director for Healthy Gulf, an organization that has been working for decades to protect the Gulf and the communities connected to it. We’ll talk about how Healthy Gulf got started, what exactly we mean when we talk about “the Gulf,” and why this waterbody is so important to wildlife, our climate, our economy, and the people who call the Gulf Coast home.

We’ll also look at the history of pollution and environmental threats in the region, the ongoing impacts of offshore oil and gas development, and the work Healthy Gulf is doing today to hold industries accountable and protect these ecosystems. We also talk about the recent proposal involving the potential storage of radioactive nuclear waste beneath the Gulf, and what Healthy Gulf is doing in response.

https://healthygulf.org/ 


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Hosted by Jenn Galler, In Our Backyard Podcast is the voice of the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, bringing urgent local stories to the forefront. This isn't about abstract global debates; it's a grounded conversation focused on the very real industrial pressures facing specific towns and neighborhoods. Each episode examines a particular threat, from active coal plants and fracking operations to the routing of new pipelines, unpacking the complex realities behind the headlines. You'll hear directly from the residents and organizers who are living these fights, sharing their personal struggles and strategies for safeguarding both community health and the local environment. The discussions are detailed and thoughtful, prioritizing the experiences of those on the ground. Tuning into this podcast means connecting with the persistent, often overlooked work of environmental justice, understanding that the most critical battles for planetary protection frequently begin just outside our own doors.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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