The SMART Inclusion Podcast

SMART Inclusion Podcast: Episode 4 - Tribal - Energy Independence (30M Grants) with Brett Isaac

In this episode of the SMART Inclusion Podcast, host Todd discusses energy justice and empowerment with Brett Isaac, founder of Navajo Power Home, a pioneering energy development initiative based on the Navajo Nation. Brett shares the journey of creating a utility from the ground up, bringing sustainable, clean energy to homes that were historically excluded from power infrastructure. From the legacy of the 1936 Rural Electrification Act, which intentionally left tribal lands without access to electricity, to the innovative solutions Navajo Power Home is implementing, this episode takes a deep dive into the intersection of energy, equity, and culture. Brett discusses the role of equity economics, how his community is leading in renewable energy, and the challenges of accessing capital for energy solutions that serve marginalized communities. Whether you're interested in sustainable energy models, economic empowerment, or the future of energy independence in Indigenous communities, this episode is full of actionable insights!

Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction: Todd introduces equity economics, energy justice, and Indigenous roles in energy transition. [01:45] Legacy of the Rural Electrification Act, Brett discusses how the Act's exclusion of tribal lands has fueled energy inequity.
[04:30] Brett Isaac’s Story, Brett shares his background on the Navajo Nation and his drive to create Navajo Power Home.
[07:15] Founding Navajo Power Home, Brett explains establishing Navajo Power Home in 2018 to build renewable projects.
[10:10] Building a Tribal Utility, Challenges in accessing capital and navigating tribal limitations to create a utility. [13:00] Community Impact, How Navajo Power Home provides jobs, wealth, and community-owned energy solutions.
[16:15] Equity Economics in Energy, Brett explains their model’s focus on social impact and sustainability.
[18:45] Scaling for Growth, plans to electrify more homes through private investment and federal grants.

Resources:
Brett Isaac - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-isaac-816552219/
https://www.energy.gov/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/
https://www.transportation.gov/
https://www.navajopowerhome.com/
https://www.ncai.org/
https://www.apha.org/
https://gridalternatives.org/
https://www.policylink.org/

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SMART Inclusion: Episode 3 - Tribal - Energy Independence (30m Grants)

In this episode of the SMART Inclusion Podcast, we explore the intersections of equity economics, tribal justice, and energy independence. Our host delves into the historical exclusion of tribal nations from energy infrastructure development and how they are now at the forefront of innovative clean energy initiatives. Learn how Indigenous communities are shaping the future of renewable energy, building economic independence, and setting models for sustainability. We also discuss the U.S. government’s efforts to right historical wrongs, including grants from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which support tribal ownership of renewable energy assets.

Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction: Overview of the episode covering equity economics, tribal justice, and energy independence
[02:15] Historical Context: Exclusion of Tribal Nations 
[05:30] Government’s Role in Righting Wrongs, Federal initiatives, like the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
[08:00] Tribal Nations as Clean Energy Leaders Examples of Indigenous communities, such as the Navajo and Ho-Chunk, advancing energy independence through renewable projects.

Resources:
https://www.energy.gov/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/
https://www.transportation.gov/
https://www.ncai.org/
https://www.apha.org/
https://gridalternatives.org/
https://www.policylink.org/

Like and subscribe to the SMART Inclusion: Energy Transition, Investing, & Sustainability Podcast for more episodes on creating a clean, sustainable future!

SMART Inclusion Podcast: Episode 2 - Community Benefits & Justice 40 with Dr. Jeffrey Lowe

In this episode of the SMART Inclusion podcast, host Todd Q. Adams sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Lowe, Associate Professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University. Together, they explore the deep connection between urban planning and equity economics, focusing on how thoughtful urban development can drive social justice in underserved communities.

Dr. Lowe shares his personal journey from Howard University to becoming a leading expert in urban planning and environmental justice. The discussion dives into the transformative impact of the Justice 40 Initiative and how affordable housing, energy efficiency, and AI intersect to create more sustainable, resilient communities.

[00:00] Introduction - Todd Q. Adams introduces urban planning’s link to equity economics in energy transition.
[01:30] Guest Introduction: Dr. Jeffrey Lowe shares his background and role at Texas Southern University.
[03:15] Dr. Lowe’s Journey into Urban Planning 
[05:45] The Intersection of Urban Planning and Social Justice 
[08:10] The Justice 40 Initiative 
[10:45] Affordable Housing and Artificial Intelligence 
[13:20] Distributed Energy Generation and Benefits
[17:00] Public Health and Urban Planning Exploring 
[19:00] The Role of Urban Planners in Energy Transition
[21:00] Conclusion 

Resources:
Dr. Jeffrey Lowe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-lowe-38234b6/
American Planning Association - https://www.planning.org/
Brookings - Quality. Independence. Impact. - https://www.brookings.edu/
@SavingPlaces | National Trust for Historic Preservation - https://savingplaces.org/
Justice40 Initiative | Environmental Justice | The White House -https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/
Home | Urban Land Institute - https://uli.org/

SMART Inclusion: Episode 1 - Community Benefits & Justice 40

In this premiere episode of the SMART Inclusion podcast, host Todd Q. Adams introduces listeners to the pivotal Justice 40 initiative—a groundbreaking federal commitment that allocates 40% of the benefits from nearly $2 trillion in infrastructure investments to communities of color, including Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities. Todd breaks down what Justice 40 means for the future of energy, workforce development, environmental justice, and equity in the U.S.

Episode Notes:
[00:00] Welcome & Introduction, Todd Q. Adams welcomes listeners to the first episode of SMART Inclusion 
[02:15] The Justice 40 Initiative 
[04:30] Workforce Investment & Community Engagement 

Resources:
American Planning Association https://www.planning.org/
Brookings - https://savingplaces.org/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/

This is Equity Economics.

Welcome to the SMART Inclusion podcast, where we connect the dots between urban planning, environmental policy, and equity economics. I’m your host, Todd Q. Adams. Each episode brings you powerful stories from thought leaders—like women, Indigenous people, and unsung heroes—who are driving the global energy transition forward. This podcast ties together the complex threads of sustainability, showing how the public can engage with new opportunities in energy transition and invest in their communities.