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.