June 14, 1981 - Proceedings of the United States Senate Field Hearing and High Sulfur Coal Export Conference held June 8–9, 1981, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. One of the central concerns confronting the hearing was “Factors Affecting the International Utilization of High Sulfur Coal.” More specifically, the committee addressed itself to “developing international markets and marketing mechanisms for America’s coal, evaluating the domestic potential for American coal production and exports, and Illinois coal’s potential as an emergency fuel in the event of an international energy shortfall.” Coal experts from American industry, labor officials, state and national government leaders, and dignitaries from Europe and the Far East gathered to discuss this important global issue. This program is on the topic of “Emergency Utilization of Coal,” one of a several items addressed at conference. Panel discussions were moderated by United States Senator Charles Percy, United States Representative Paul Simon, and John Castle, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.
July 8, 1981 - Daniel Willard, associate professor in School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, talks about wetlands planning and the need to preserve the country's wetlands.
July 16, 1981 -
August 7, 1981 - Lou Breimhurst, executive director of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, discusses various environmental and hazardous waste issues in the state. Breimhurst also answers listener questions.
September 24, 1981 - MPR’s Dick Daly reports on seminar looking at possible use of the vast peat moss found on Minnesota lands as a energy source. Daly interviews local political figures about the logistics.
October 21, 1981 - Ralph Nader, author and consumer activist, speaking at the annual convention of the Minnesota Education Association in Minneapolis. Nader’s address was on the topic of consumerism. He also talks on various topics such as contaminants and competency tests. Nader has been active in consumer affairs for nearly two decades. Auto safety, hazards in the workplace and contaminants in the environment are just a few of the areas that Nader and his associates have investigated. A few years ago, the Nader organization examined the competency tests given to students seeking college admission.
January 9, 1982 - Host Rich Dietman talks with Tim Kneeland of the Institute for Survival Education in Minneapolis , and answers live listener questions on surviving in winter.
January 14, 1982 - MPR’s Lee Axdahl reports on the passing of Sigurd Olson, well-known environmentalist and author. Segment includes a brief summary of Olson’s life, a reading by former Elmer Anderson, and interview segments with Olson about his experiences along the Boundary Waters.
January 14, 1982 - Noted environmentalist and author Sigurd Olson passed away on January 13, 1982 in Ely, Minnesota. This news feature honors his passing by airing his own words.
January 23, 1982 - On this Weekend program, Bruce Watson, a consulting meteorologist, discusses the record-setting snowfalls of January 20th and 22nd in the Twin Cities, winter blizzards, and other issues related to winter weather. Watson also answers listener questions.