America First Energy Podcast

America First Energy Podcast Episode 17 VA Post-Election Wrap featuring Blake Cox

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/

America First Energy Podcast Episode 16 Veterans in Energy with Kevin Doffing from Project Vanguard

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 [projectvanguard.com]. Listen to the Project Vanguard Podcast at www.media.projectvanguard.com [media.projectvanguard.com] In the News story mentioned: https://trellis.net/article/spanberger-data-center-energy-debate/

America First Energy Podcast Episode 15: Navigating Virginia’s Energy Future featuring Dwayne Yancey Cardinal News

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 [https://www.wvtf.org/news/2025-10-11/both-gubernatorial-candidates-are-in-support-of-nuclear-energy]

America First Energy Podcast Episode 14 Every Electron is a Good One featuring SEIA President Abby Hopper

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.

America First Energy Podcast Episode 13 Opportunity For Every Community

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 [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 [http://www.energyrightus.org]. Follow the America First Energy Podcast on X @AmericaFirstEP