What Happens When Your Town's Coal Plant Shuts Down? This CEO Has Solutions (S2:E7)

Just Power

What happens when entire communities built around coal plants suddenly face closure? Host Carolyn Parrs speaks with Heidi Binko, co-founder and CEO of the Just Transition Fund, to explore how communities can navigate the complex shift from fossil fuels to clean energy without leaving anyone behind.

With over 25 years in climate philanthropy, Heidi brings incredible wisdom about what it really takes to support communities through economic transition. We dive deep into the human side of energy transformation - the families losing generational jobs, the towns watching their tax base disappear, and the Indigenous communities facing unique challenges in this new landscape.

Key Topics

• How coal plant closures impact entire communities and what successful economic diversification looks like beyond just clean energy projects.

• The unique challenges facing tribal communities in energy transition and why community-led solutions outperform top-down approaches.

• Why early engagement with communities leads to better outcomes and how utilities can become partners rather than obstacles in the transition process.

• The changing political landscape of climate funding and the essential role of private sector engagement in creating sustainable economic alternatives.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Climate Philanthropy and Heidi Binko

02:55
The Impact of Coal Plant Closures on Communities

05:54
Just Transition Fund's Role in Community Planning

09:04
Engaging Utilities in Transition Processes

12:10
Addressing Personal Loss in Coal Communities

14:55
Successful Examples of Economic Transition

17:55
Diversifying Economies Beyond Clean Energy

20:50
The Importance of Community-Led Solutions

21:49
Finding Common Ground in Diverse Communities

23:15
Measuring Success: Economic Resilience and Sustainability

26:57
Rural vs Urban: Bridging the Divide

28:14
Working with Tribal Communities: Unique Challenges

30:55
Learning from Failures: The Role of Philanthropy

32:29
Navigating Changing Political Landscapes

36:12
Private Sector Engagement in Energy Transition

38:27
The Challenge of Clean Energy Production

42:20
Personal Motivation: The People Behind the Work

About The Just Transition Fund
Website: http://www.justtransitionfund.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/just-transition-fund/

About Just Power Podcast
The Just Power Podcast was created by Carolyn Parrs in partnership with New Mexico State University. It features energy experts, policymakers, tribal voices, and community champions who are working to make clean energy accessible to everyone—no matter where you live or what your income is.

About Carolyn Parrs
Carolyn Parrs is the CEO of Mind Over Markets, a branding and messaging firm that helps sustainable businesses and energy organizations communicate with clarity and power. Learn more at:
Website: https://mindovermarkets.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindovermarkets
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs/
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