A story about how a small handful of people defeated a nuclear reactor project at Bodega Head (1958-1964). This project was forced on citizens of California's North Coast by the state's largest utility, its largest university, and one of the largest and most powerful government agencies in existence at the time. Hear David Pesonen's story about how he learned about the corruption and danger that was lurking behind this sinister project at Bodega Head and how a small group of active citizens put it to rest forever.
At the Bodega Head north of San Francisco, California, one can observe the actual "Hole in the Head" where PG&E had excavated the footings for the nuclear plant right alongside the San Andreas Fault.
It all begins with a love of nature for Hank Phibbs, a retired attorney in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Hank's passion for wilderness and his due diligence helped him to reach an agreement with senators, representatives, the US Forest Service, USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) and the Department of the Interior Board of Land Appeals to overturn damaging oil and gas leasing in a part of what is now the Gros Ventre Wilderness in Montana.
Land use attorney, Tony (Antonio) Rossmann, gives a clear and compelling interview about how the ancient Public Trust Doctrine applied to the Mono Lake decision as well as other important land use decisions in California. In 1983, early in the battle to save Mono Lake, the Supreme Court of California ruled that Mono Lake had “public trust values” that must be considered in any decisions about the lake’s water. Tony was instrumental in the Mono Lake public trust litigation case, which allowed the lake to be restored as an important ecological area. Since the California Supreme Court’s decision in 1983, which is considered one of the top ten environmental law cases of the 20th century, the Public Trust Doctrine continues to be used to protect natural resources in the United States.
Marcia was inspired to do environmental work after she read Al Gore's book. She began to learn about the environment by being a volunteer and working with others. For the past twenty years, Marcia has dedicated her time to preserving wetlands in Southern California.
Diane Coombs, a former executive with the San Diego County Board of Supervisors office, and a citizen activist, describes her work in San Diego, California, and how her love of nature motivates her to stay involved in wetland restoration and planning projects.
How can a class action lawsuit become a catalyst for change? Attorney Ron Lovitt talks about his involvement in a class action lawsuit against a large company that misrepresented residential housing lots to prospective buyers.