What's Utah's Energy Future: Coal, Nuclear, or Geothermal Solutions?
Send us a textGovernment regulation in the energy sector has created significant challenges for local power companies over the past two decades, while clean coal technology developments have been largely overlooked in policy decisions.• 2005 Energy Policy Act disrupted reliability projects in Washington County for almost 15 years• Modern coal plants in Utah operate at 90% below EPA emission standards using three-stage filtration technology• Coal power generates electricity at 2-3 cents per kilowatt-hour compared to 6 cents for natural gas• China building 1-2 coal plants weekly while US reduces production, effectively outsourcing emissions• Prosperity enables environmental protection while energy poverty forces dirtier alternatives like wood burning• Future energy mix likely includes maintained coal plants, natural gas, potential nuclear if licensing hurdles overcome• Innovative geothermal technology using fracking techniques shows promise as clean energy source• Small modular nuclear reactors could provide reliable power if regulatory barriers addressed• Washington County utilities working to build more distributed generation to improve reliabilityGuest: Colin JackLooking for a Real Estate expert? Find us here!https://realestate435.kw.com/www.wealth435.com https://linktr.ee/wealth435 Below are our wonderful friends!Find FS Coffee here:https://fscoffeecompany.com/Find Tuacahn Amphitheater here:https://www.tuacahn.org/Find Blue Form Media here:https://www.blueformmedia.com/#podcast #southernutah #stgeorgeutah #realestate #435podcast #energyefficiency #coal #nuclearenergy [00:00:00] Intro.[00:00:51] Introduction to Energy Policy and Dixie Power.[00:05:41] The 2005 Energy Policy Act's Impact.[00:16:12] Coal Power Plants and Emissions Controls. [00:30:14] The Climate Change Debate. [00:45:12] Coal vs. Natural Gas Economics.[00:59:46] The Future of Energy in Southern Utah. [01:12:12
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1:17:08
The Last Line of Defense: Willie Billings on Utah's Endangered Caucus System
Send us a textIn an era of political polarization and media distrust, Willie Billings offers a refreshingly nuanced perspective on local politics as the newly elected Chairman of the Washington County Republican Party. His mission? To save Utah's unique caucus system from the encroachment of outside money and influence that threatens to transform the state's political landscape.Billings passionately explains how SB 54—the controversial "dual path" legislation—has undermined the caucus convention system that once allowed ordinary citizens to participate in politics without massive financial backing. He shares the startling revelation that even Senator Mike Lee admitted he would never have challenged incumbent Bob Bennett in a pure primary system, demonstrating how caucuses create pathways for new voices that money-dominated primaries shut out.Whether discussing economic policy, media manipulation, election integrity, or hunting adventures in Alaska, Billings offers wisdom gained from 37 years in investment advisory services and decades of community involvement. His mission now is to educate voters about the value of informed political participation before Utah's unique political heritage is lost forever.Looking for a Real Estate expert? Find us here!https://realestate435.kw.com/www.wealth435.com https://linktr.ee/wealth435 Below are our wonderful friends!Find FS Coffee here:https://fscoffeecompany.com/Find Tuacahn Amphitheater here:https://www.tuacahn.org/Find Blue Form Media here:https://www.blueformmedia.com/[00:00:00] Intro.[00:06:13] Media's Influence on Public Perception.[00:12:05] Investment Advisor's Market Perspective.[00:21:19] Understanding 401k Management.[00:30:16] The Caucus System vs SB54.[00:47:12] Water Challenges and Growth in Southern Utah.[01:00:11] Political Elections and Recounts.[01:22:29] Hunting Stories and Self-Sufficiency.
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1:32:58
The Disconnect Between Interest Rates & Housing Prices Is Breaking Traditional Market Patterns
Send us a textWashington County's real estate market has shifted to a more balanced position with 4.82 months of inventory, representing a 22% increase from last year, though slight downward pressure on pricing has resulted in only a 2% decrease in average sold prices.• Median sold price of $520,000 shows minimal change from last year at just 1.7% higher• Current 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.75%, down from 7.26% in January• Original list price to sold price ratio is 95.9%, indicating sellers are typically getting slightly less than asking• Days on market varies significantly by price point - homes between $400,000-$500,000 sell fastest at 51 days• Migration data shows buyers from areas with higher home values (California, Colorado) find Washington County prices reasonable• Housing market correlation with interest rates appears broken since 2022• Local economy shows greater diversity than pre-2008 recession when construction was 30% of economy• Current unemployment rate remains stable at around 3%Guest Branden DuCharme, CMT, Find Du Charme Wealth Management here:https://ducharmewealth.com/contact-us/Looking for a Real Estate expert? Find us here!https://realestate435.kw.com/www.wealth435.com https://linktr.ee/wealth435 Below are our wonderful friends!Find FS Coffee here:https://fscoffeecompany.com/Find Tuacahn Amphitheater here:https://www.tuacahn.org/Find Blue Form Media here:https://www.blueformmedia.com/#podcast #southernutah #investing #stgeorgeutah #realestate #435podcast #financialmarket #business #affordablehousing #afforadable [00:00:00] Intro.[00:00:48] Washington County Real Estate Overview.[00:08:33] Market Statistics and Current Trends.[00:18:32] Breaking Down Price Points and Days on Market.[00:27:46] The Conflict of Interest in Real Estate.[00:38:35] Home Value Comparisons Across States.[00:47:33] Employment Data and Economic Diversity.[00:57:46] Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up.
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Stem Cells and Superhuman Strength: The World Strength Games Coming to St. George
Send us a textWitness history in the making as the World Strength Games returns to St. George on May 23-24 2025, transforming the Dixie Convention Center into an arena where human potential collides with physical impossibility. Since its humble beginnings in 2017 with just 11 athletes, this event has exploded into an international phenomenon, officially documenting 121 world records and counting.What makes the World Strength Games unique isn't just the superhuman feats of strength—it's the strategic format where athletes must choose their weights wisely, getting just two attempts to etch their names in history. Think of it as high-stakes poker where competitors must decide: play it safe or risk everything for glory. This creates an electric atmosphere as athletes from Australia, Sweden, and across America push the boundaries of human capability.The crowd favorite remains the iconic 402-pound basalt stone carry, modeled after Iceland's famous Husafell Stone but deliberately made more challenging. Last year, spectators erupted as competitors who seemed physically incapable hoisted this massive stone and carried it distances no one thought possible. This year, local hero Miles Kinikini will attempt to shatter the Farmer's Walk world record by carrying a mind-boggling 460 pounds in each hand.Beyond strongman, this evolved fitness expo now features USA Wrestling tournaments, Ninja Warrior courses, CrossFit challenges through the Summit Games, and an NFL-style combine for aspiring athletes. Legendary figures in strength sports will be present, including four-time World's Strongest Man Magnus Ver Magnusson and potentially current reigning World's Strongest Man Tom Stoltman.Perhaps most fascinating is how this event showcases human potential across all demographics. From 73-year-old grandmothers carrying refrigerator-sized weights to discussions on regenerative medicine with stem cell pioneer Dr. Greg Smith, the World Strength Games illustrates that strength isn't just about muscle—it's about pushing limits in every aspect of human performance.Guest Russell Anderson, Founder of the World Strength Games. Connect with Russell on his IG: https://www.instagram.com/desertvikingstrongman/?igsh=N3BleDZ6NjNvcGU2#World Strength Games webpage: https://worldstrength.games/UsMedSpa webpage: https://usmedspa.co/Looking for a Real Estate expert? Find us here!https://realestate435.kw.com/www.wealth435.com https://linktr.ee/wealth435 Below are our wonderful friends!Find FS Coffee here:https://fscoffeecompany.com/Find Tuacahn Amphitheater here:https://www.tuacahn.org/Find Blue Form Media here:https://www.blueformmedia.com/#podcast #southernutah #stgeorgeutah #435podcast #realestate #weightlifting #strongman [00:00:00] Intro.[00:05:10] The Evolution of Strongman Competition.[00:09:30] Breaking World Records in St George.[00:15:22] Event Attractions Beyond Strongman.[00:21:27] The Enhanced Games Discussion.[00:35:00] Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy.[00:50:11] Event Details and Community Impact.[01:08:33] Closing Thoughts and Future Vision.
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1:21:18
Who Really Controls Your Neighborhood?
Send us a textDive into the intricacies of Utah's 2025 legislative session with Washington City's Legislative Affairs Director Jordan Hess as he breaks down the bills that will reshape Southern Utah's communities. With over 582 bills passed during this session, Jordan helps navigate the complex political landscape while offering unique insights from his perspective working directly with lawmakers and municipalities.Jordan Hess unpacks controversial legislation like the flag display restrictions in public buildings, enhanced enforcement capabilities against illegal short-term rentals, and new voter integrity measures requiring additional verification for mail-in ballots.The discussion takes a particularly fascinating turn when examining the tension between state authority and local control. One failed bill would have created a "Beehive Development Agency" with power to expedite major economic projects with minimal local input—highlighting the ongoing struggle between expedient development and thoughtful local planning. Housing affordability emerges as a critical theme throughout the episode, with Jordan explaining how new legislation prohibiting municipalities from requiring garages for affordable single-family homes could help create true "starter homes" again. The conversation explores whether government intervention can effectively address housing costs or if market forces will ultimately drive solutions.Guest Jordan Hess, Legislative Affairs Director at Washington City, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-hess-44b23527/Looking for a Real Estate expert? Find us here!https://realestate435.kw.com/www.wealth435.com https://linktr.ee/wealth435 Below are our wonderful friends!Find FS Coffee here:https://fscoffeecompany.com/Find Tuacahn Amphitheater here:https://www.tuacahn.org/Find Blue Form Media here:https://www.blueformmedia.com/[00:00:00] Intro.[00:05:49] Jordan's Guatemalan Volcano Adventure.[00:15:25] Washington City's Legislative Affairs Position.[00:26:23] Utah Flag Bill and Culture War Legislation.[00:35:13] Short-Term Rental Enforcement Changes.[00:46:43] Parking Requirements and Housing Affordability.[00:54:54] New Voting Laws and Election Integrity.[01:02:11] The "Beehive Development Agency" Controversy.[01:10:58] Market Solutions vs Government Intervention.#podcast #waterconservation #affordablehousing #afforable #southernutah #435podcast #stgeorgeutah #utahpolitics #utahrealestate #utahrealestate #utahentrepreneur
Explore the heartbeat of Southern Utah with the 435 Podcast, your go-to source for all things local in Washington County. Stay ahead of the curve with our in-depth coverage, expert analysis, and captivating interviews. Whether you're a resident or visitor, our podcast is your key to unlocking the latest happenings and trends in St. George and the surrounding areas. Tune in now to stay informed and connected with our thriving community!
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