On July 24, I attended the Nebraska Renewable Energy Fair, held in my hometown of Lyons, Nebraska. That morning, as I drove through Lyons, I couldn’t help but notice the buzz of people throughout town. There was a new energy about Lyons on that Saturday morning.

Photo of rain barrels taken during a bus tour as part of the 2010 Renewable Energy Fair.

I was a moderator for the fair, along with my fellow FFA (Future Farmers of America) members who generously devoted their Saturday for the growth and education of our area. The first session I attended was about C-Bed and Carbon Policy held by John Hansen, President of the Nebraska Farmer’s Union.

John was an excellent presenter and kept the audience well entertained while answering any questions they had. I learned about how important a wind policy is for agriculture and also for rural America. John also told us about the different types of wind energy markets.

The next session held at the Center for Rural Affairs was called A Commercial Wind Power Overview for both Nebraska and the USA presented by Kevin Miller. Kevin is with Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska. He told the audience that they need to do what’s best for their community and their situation. He was an informative and friendly presenter, who did his best to give the audience information about the opportunities, and challenges, of commercial wind development.

The last two sessions held at the Center were Policy 101 with Traci Bruckner and John Crabtree, and Harnessing Wind, Creating Economic Opportunity hosted by Brian Depew, Chuck Hassebrook and Virginia Wolking, all of the Center for Rural Affairs. It never ceases to amaze me that Lyons is home to such an impressive organization with such talented staff that have a tremendous impact on public policy all across rural America.

My overall impression of the Renewable Energy Fair was eye opening. I was proud of my community, my school, the city, the Senior Center, the volunteers and my colleagues at the Center for Rural Affairs that day. I walked away with a brain full of information and ideas on conserving energy, carbon policy, electric cars, biofuels, methane digesters, thermal solar energy and so much more! The community of Lyons, Nebraska, was full of people bettering this planet with each step they take. The Nebraska Renewable Energy Fair changed the way I view our planet, and I will most definitely be attending next year!

This article was written by Alysha Peterson, a junior at Lyons-Decatur Northeast high school. Alysha has completed a summer internship with the Center for Rural Affairs in conjunction with FFA. She is interested in a career in ag journalism.