NEBRASKA

U.S. Representative Don Bacon (NE-02), economic development officials, wind technology instructors and solar developers joined a virtual panel to discuss the economic benefits renewable energy development provides Nebraska. Wind power delivers nearly 20 percent of the electricity generated in the Cornhusker State, but continued job creation and other economic benefits will require a development-friendly policy environment and an expanded and upgraded transmission grid. The event examined the impact of federal policy on the growth of renewables, educational opportunities in the sector, and how wind and solar energy grows good-paying jobs in rural Nebraska.

Over 128 local leaders and interested parties joined the event, including legislators, government officials, county economic development professionals, industry representatives and media.

Watch a recording of the discussion here.

Moderator: 

• John Hansen, President, Nebraska Farmers Union

Panelists:  

• U.S. Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02)
• Darby Paxton, Holt County Economic Development
• John Liewer & Nathan Simpson, Northeast Community College Wind Energy Program
• Cliff Mesner, Mesner Development

Elected officials, utility leaders, and renewable energy developers joined an educational forum to discuss the need for modernized transmission infrastructure and the growth of clean energy in Nebraska. Although the state has seen substantial wind energy development in recent years, continued job creation and other economic benefits will require an expanded and upgraded electrical grid. In this event, panelists covered topics including the current policy environment, the status of the R-Project, grid resiliency, and transmission improvement needs in Nebraska.

Over 100 local leaders and interested parties joined the event, including state legislators, local officials, utility representatives, renewable energy developers, nonprofit leaders, academics, economic development professionals, and journalists.

Watch a recording of the panel discussion here.

Moderator: 

• David Bracht, counsel at Kutak Rock and former Nebraska Energy Office Director

Panelists:  

• Nebraska State Senator John McCollister (District 20)
• Tom Kent, President & CEO of Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD)
• Janece Mollhoff, Member of Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) Board of Directors
• James Williams, Vice President, Renewable Development, Invenergy