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