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