More power poles, more problems

The Broadside

Electric vehicles and renewable energy sources are in their boom era — and that means the need for electricity is higher than ever before. The construction of an expanded energy grid to meet that demand is going to require a lot of raw minerals, metals… and a surprising commodity: lumber. This week, we take a trip to the forests of the Southern Pine Belt where demand for big trees far outstrips the supply and find out what's being done to prevent a pole-ocalypse.

Featuring:

• Dr. Robert Bardon, Associate Dean for Extension and Professor at the College of Natural Resources at NC State University
• Ryan Dezember, Commodities Reporter at The Wall Street Journal

Links:

• Check out Ryan's reporting on rising demand for utility poles.
• You can find a transcript of the episode here.

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