Summary

In this episode, Sean Crowell interviews Dr. Kelsey Bilsback from PSE Healthy Energy, focusing on the intersection of air quality, health, and energy policy. Kelsey shares her journey from studying particle physics at CERN to her current role in air quality modeling, emphasizing the importance of understanding the health impacts of energy use, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The conversation delves into the Methane Risk Map, a tool developed by PSE Healthy Energy to assess the health risks associated with methane emissions from extraction facilities. Kelsey explains how the map combines satellite data with a gas composition database to quantify hazardous air pollutants and their potential health impacts on nearby communities.

The discussion also highlights the challenges of ensuring that scientific research informs policy decisions, particularly regarding vulnerable populations. Kelsey emphasizes the need for better data availability and coordination among states to improve air quality regulations. The episode concludes with a look at future projects, including expanding the Methane Risk Map internationally and exploring the health impacts of landfills, underscoring the critical role of science in advocating for public health and environmental protection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kelsey Bilsback and Her Background

03:37 Transitioning to Air Quality and Health Research

09:48 The Methane Risk Map: A New Tool for Understanding Emissions

13:58 Health Risks Associated with Methane Emissions

21:47 Stakeholders and Community Engagement with the Methane Risk Map

26:42 Future Directions and Expanding the Methane Risk Map

32:41 Closing Thoughts and Importance of Data Accessibility