Aired on August 17, 2025

• Modern Jobs, Extraction Industries, Alternative Energies

Over the last century, America was built with the blood, sweat and tears of coalminers and oil and gas workers in rural areas. Those workers shouldn’t be forgotten or left behind as a new age of energy development springs forth. Edelen Renewables is the global leader in coal-to-solar renewable energy development. From land acquisition, facilitating public engagement and incentives, and shepherding projects through regulatory processes, they utilize a “boots-on-the-ground” approach to produce results for the people of Appalachia to Nations, Tribes, and Pueblos across the country. Edelen Renewables is bringing the promise of renewable energy to rural places and putting displaced workers back to work in a new, greener economy.

Adam Edelen is a dynamic leader with a demonstrated record of success in both the private and public sectors. As founder and CEO of Edelen Renewables he has garnered significant attention for forming partnerships to pioneer coal-to-solar projects and other green energy developments in struggling energy communities. His firm’s unique Social Impact Solar® approach reflects a deep commitment to economic revitalization and environmental sustainability. A former Chief of Staff to a Kentucky Governor and a statewide elected official in his own right, Adam was known as a modernizing reformer and a results-oriented, bipartisan leader. His dedication to public service and creating opportunity for underserved communities remains the cornerstone of his work. Adam has received numerous accolades, including being named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year East Coast Finalist and earning recognition from The Canopy and Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest as a Top Environmental Impact Company. Adam has also been honored by the Aspen Institute, the German Marshall Fund, and was named both “The Outstanding Young Kentuckian“ and one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Americans“ by the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce.

“On The Porch” is hosted by Randolph ”Randy” Voller. He is also the publisher of Chatham County Line. Randy welcomes guests to the show who are from the communities of art, academia, business, and politics for friendly and informative conversations. “On The Porch” airs every Sunday at 11:06 AM, and is repeated at 5:06 PM and 8:06 PM on WCHL-FM 97.9. The show also streams on ChapelBoro.com
Current and previous shows of “On The Porch” are posted as on-demand, ad-free podcasts at ChapelBoro.com, Spotify and Apple Podcasts
To be a guest on the show or send us a comment, email: ontheporch@wchl.com