Podcast
America First Energy Podcast
Hosted by Skyler Zunk and Ben Wilson; Energy Right · EN
The way we power our nation is changing, and the need to power our growing economy with American Energy is greater than ever before. The America First Energy Podcast dives into the future of energy in the U.S., advocating for responsible, all-of-the-above energy development to secure America’s energy dominance. Hosted by the Energy Right team, we’ll engage lawmakers shaping energy policy, industry experts bringing projects to life, and local communities who will make the America First energy agenda happen. America has fallen behind…?
10episodes
Episodes
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America First Energy Podcast Episode 17 VA Post-Election Wrap featuring Blake Cox
Dec 2200:25:42Tap to summarizeSkyler 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/
Transcribe →America First Energy Podcast Episode 16 Veterans in Energy with Kevin Doffing from Project Vanguard
Nov 1200:44:51Tap to summarizeIn 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.comIn the News story mentioned: https://trellis.net/article/spanberger-data-center-energy-debate/
Transcribe →America First Energy Podcast Episode 15: Navigating Virginia’s Energy Future featuring Dwayne Yancey Cardinal News
Oct 3100:54:50Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →America First Energy Podcast Episode 14 Every Electron is a Good One featuring SEIA President Abby Hopper
Oct 2200:35:53Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →America First Energy Podcast Episode 13 Opportunity For Every Community
Oct 800:39:28Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →America First Energy Podcast Episode 12 Property Values Study featuring Dr. Zhenshan Chen
Sep 2400:40:25Tap to summarizeBen 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
Transcribe →America First Energy Podcast Episode 11 Solar Farm Summit
Sep 1000:55:36Tap to summarizeBen 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 TrustAustin Kinzer - American Farm Trust Camren Maierle - American Lamb BoardJames McKinon - Helical SolarStacie Peterson - American Solar Grazers Association John Langdon - Solar Saves FarmsJana Jenkins - Solar Saves FarmsLater on in the episode, Skyler joins Ben to discuss the proposal of a new transmission line through Northern VA.
Transcribe →America First Energy Podcast Episode 10 - Local Chambers are Conveners
Aug 2700:51:09Tap to summarizeIn 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 @AmericaFirstEPhttps://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/us-construction-record-breaking
Transcribe →America First Energy Podcast Episode 9 Moving VA Forward
Aug 1300:38:40Tap to summarizeBen 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
Transcribe →America First Energy Podcast - PJM July Update - Mini Episode 3
Jul 3000:18:08Tap to summarizeSkyler 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.
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