America First Energy Podcast

Skyler Zunk is joined by Energy Right Co-founder, Blake Cox to discuss the 2025 election results across VA and what energy issues seemed to be top of mind for voters. They also take some of their 2025 Annual Poll while giving a preview of the next installment.  Check out all the past episode of the America First Energy Podcast by visiting: https://energyrightus.org/afep/

In honor of Veterans Day, the America First Energy Project brings you a conversation with Kevin Doffing, CEO and founder of Project Vanguard. Ben chats with Kevin about his important work connecting veterans with job opportunities in the energy sector. Later on, Skyler joins Ben to discuss the election results and how they could affect the ongoing data center energy debate. To learn more about Project Vanguard and get connected to other veterans visit www.projectvanguard.com. Listen to the Project Vanguard Podcast at www.media.projectvanguard.com In the News story mentioned: https://trellis.net/article/spanberger-data-center-energy-debate/

In this episode of the America First Energy Podcast, Skyler Zunk sits down with Dwayne Yancey, co-founder and editor of the Cardinal News to talk about Virginia’s energy landscape. Dwayne shares his perspective on local issues, challenges and opportunities for rural localities and the impact data centers have on the whole state. Later on, Skyler is joined by Ben Wilson to talk about the upcoming gubernatorial candidates and how both are supportive of a nuclear energy strategy to benefit Virginia.  Learn more about Cardinal News by visiting: https://cardinalnews.org/ In the News story: https://www.wvtf.org/news/2025-10-11/both-gubernatorial-candidates-are-in-support-of-nuclear-energy

In today’s episode, Skyler Zunk is joined by Solar Energy Industry Association President, Abby Hopper to talk about energy at both the local and federal level. Abby shares how SEIA is working with the Trump administration on permitting reform and the opportunities for the solar and the clean energy industry. Later on, Skyler is joined by Ben Wilson to discuss the recent $1.6B approval of a federal loan to improve AEP transmission lines across the midwest.

In this episode, Ben Wilson is joined by Martina Arel, Director of Economic Development and Energy Research at Mangum Economics. They discuss the role of economic analysis in renewable energy projects, the benefits these projects bring to local communities, and Mangum’s individualized approach to each project. Later on, Ben is joined by Skyler to discuss the energy prices across the nation and give an update on the PJM interconnection. In the News:   https://heatmap.news/energy/electricity-price-poll   The America First Energy Podcast is brought to you by Energy Right. To learn more about the Energy Right visit www.energyrightus.org. Follow the America First Energy Podcast on X @AmericaFirstEP

Ben Wilson is joined by Dr. Zhenshan Chen, an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech. Ben will chat with Dr. Chen about his latest study “Impact of large-scale solar on property values in the United States: Diverse effects and causal mechanisms” including the methodology used, a note on previous studies and what makes this research unique. Later on in the episode, Ben is joined by Skyler to discuss how the US aluminum industry is faced with power issues.  Read Dr. Chen’s study: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2418414122  Additional studies referenced:  https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/solar-farms-dont-hurt-nearby-property-values-new-research-finds  https://insideclimatenews.org/news/15032023/solar-property-values/  In the News Story: https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-aluminum/us-manufacturing-power-challenges

Ben Wilson is joined by Energy Right Director of Policy and Engagement, Dylan Taylor to cover the 2025 Solar Farm Summit hosted in Chicago, IL. While there, they interviewed an array of experts including: Iain Ward - Solar Agricultural Services Inc. Ethan Winter - American Farm Trust Austin Kinzer - American Farm Trust Camren Maierle - American Lamb Board James McKinon - Helical Solar Stacie Peterson - American Solar Grazers Association John Langdon - Solar Saves Farms Jana Jenkins - Solar Saves Farms Later on in the episode, Skyler joins Ben to discuss the proposal of a new transmission line through Northern VA.

In this episode, Skyler Zunk sits down with Susan and Rob from the Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy to explore how their work directly impacts Chambers and communities across the nation. They take time to discuss permitting reform, supporting good projects, and Rob and Susan provide advice for local Chamber leaders. Later, Ben Wilson joins Skyler for an in the news discussion centered around solar growth across the nation.  Learn more about the Chambers of Innovation and Clean Energy at https://www.chambersforinnovation.com/  The America First Energy Podcast is brought to you by Energy Right. To learn more about the Energy Right, visit www.energyrightus.org. Follow the America First Energy Podcast on X @AmericaFirstEP https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/us-construction-record-breaking 

Ben Wilson is joined by Energy Right Director of Policy and Engagement, Dylan Taylor to bring you coverage of the 2025 Resilient Virginia Conference. We’ll highlight conversations with Austin Counts and Kara Dotten from Appalachian Voices, catch up with Harrisonburg City Council Member, Laura Dent and wrap up our conversation with Energy Right Board Member, Corin Jackson. Later on, Ben and Dylan will recap the conference and discuss new investments in Brunswick County, VA!  The America First Energy Podcast is brought to you by Energy Right. To learn more about the Energy Right visit www.energyrightus.org. Follow the America First Energy Podcast on X @AmericaFirstEP

Skyler and Ben spend time breaking down the latest PJM update and the letter that 9 Governors signed onto a letter expressing their concerns with rising prices.

Join the America First Energy Podcast, on the farm! Starting off with Ben, who is joined by Allison Wickham, where she walks us through the agrivoltaics practices she employs with bees at the Siller Pollinator Company, sharing solutions and what she’s learned from her time beekeeping. Next up, Skyler is with a longtime friend of Energy Right, Matt English, a solar grazer who invited us back to his farm to chat about lambing season and his dual use farm. To wrap up the episode, Skyler and Ben discuss an opinion piece out of Cardinal News by Dwayne Yancey. Read the Cardinal News story “Virginia is at a Critical Crossroads which means rural Virginia is too" https://cardinalnews.org/2025/07/14/nothern-virginia-is-at-a-critical-crossroads-which-means-rural-virginia-is-too/  The America First Energy Podcast is brought to you by Energy Right. To learn more about the Energy Right visit www.energyrightus.org. Follow the America First Energy Podcast on X @AmericaFirstEP

Skyler sits down with Pete Sepp, President of the National Tax Payers Union. Skyler and Pete discuss Virginia energy challenges and solutions, ways communities are using renewable investments to diversify local revenue and look at Federal tax policies and permitting reform. In the news, Ben sits down with Skyler to go over a new property values study out of Virginia Tech. https://news.vt.edu/articles/2025/06/solar-property-value.html

Skyler and Ben are back with another power update from PJM ahead of warm summer weather. They also discuss news out of Pennsylvania and break down the power producers inside of the PJM interconnect. The America First Energy Podcast is brought to you by Energy Right, learn more by visiting www.energyrightus.org

Skyler Zunk and Ben Wilson break down the latest warning issued by PJM as the region braces for increased summer power usage. They also revisit the Memorial Day brownout in Louisiana, discussing contributing factors and public response. Featured audio includes remarks from Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis (District 3), as reported by WWL-TV, May 26, 2025: "PSC: Nuclear shutdowns, bad forecasting led to blackouts."

Skyler sits down with VA Department of Energy Solar Program Manager, Aaron Berryhill who shares his research of utility scale solar, his research and role at helping educate communities about the solar opportunities of the present and future. Afterward, Ben will join Skyler to discuss the Memorial Day Weekend brownout in Louisiana in our in the news section.  The America First Energy Podcast is brought to you by Energy Right. To learn more about the Energy Right visit www.energyrightus.org. Follow the America First Energy Podcast on X @AmericaFirstEP

Skyler Zunk and Ben Wilson take you along to the Virginia Solar Summit where they had the opportunity to speak to leaders in the solar industry from all across the commonwealth, today’s episode features interviews with Jess Gray, CEO of Gray’s Lambscaping, Dan French, Executive Producer Solar Farm Summit, Carlos Class, CEO of Solarix and Charles Skelly, Business Manager at IBEW Local 666. To learn more about the Energy Right visit www.energyrightus.org. The America First Energy Podcast is brought to you by Energy Right. Follow the America First Energy Podcast on X @AmericaFirstEP News story discussed: Canary News article by Matt Simon  Study referenced: Impacts of agrisolar co-location on the food–energy–water nexus and economic security

In this episode, co-host Ben Wilson sits down with Chris Maness from the Scott County Board of Supervisors to explore how local energy development fuels more than just the grid—it sparks jobs, growth, and long-term opportunity. Chris shares what led him to public service and how his background as a software engineer helps him see innovative solutions for Scott County's future. Later, co-host Skyler Zunk and Ben Wilson break down some recent news.  The America First Energy Podcast is brought to you by Energy Right. Big thank you to Scott County Board of Supervisors, Chris Maness! To learn more about the Energy Right visit www.energyrightus.org. Follow the America First Energy Podcast on X @AmericaFirstEP News Stories Discussed: https://cardinalnews.org/2025/05/01/second-danville-battery-system-will-save-utility-customers-millions-officials-say/ https://www.thefabricator.com/thefabricator

In today's episode, Skyler Zunk sits down with newly appointed America First Energy Project, Louisiana executive director Jeff Arnold in New Orleans where they discuss the all-of-the-above energy approach that even the oil and gas industries use along with diversifying our energy portfolio to make it strong and bring costs down for ratepayers. Jeff shares his experience as a public official who has coordinated disaster relief efforts and who is ready to educate legislators on bringing more American made, Louisiana made energy online. Learn more about the work in LA by visiting: https://energyrightus.org/louisiana

In today’s episode of the America First Energy Podcast, Skyler Zunk interviews fellow co-host Ben Wilson so he can share his background as well as some insights on energy in SWVA - past and present! Join us for a discussion on strengthening communities, utilizing diverse forms of energy generation, and the opportunity for more 'bright fields' across the SW. Learn more about the Data Center Ridge development at this link: https://www.energydeltalab.org/data-center-ridge America First Energy Podcast is brought to you by Energy Right. To learn more about the Energy Right visit ⁠www.energyrightus.org⁠. Follow the America First Energy Podcast on X @AmericaFirstEP Our next episode will go live April 23, 2025.

In today’s episode of the America First Energy Podcast, co-hosts Skyler Zunk and Ben Wilson are joined by Virginia Department of Energy Director, Glenn Davis. Join us as we cover the energy landscape across the commonwealth, discuss barriers to growth, and look at the current energy imports across VA.  Big thank you to Virginia Department of Energy Director, Glenn Davis! America First Energy Podcast is brought to you by Energy Right. To learn more about the Energy Right visit www.energyrightus.org. Follow the America First Energy Podcast on X @AmericaFirstEP Our next episode will go live April 9, 2025.