New Power Nebraska Media Center

Construction on the Pierce County solar project is progressing ahead of schedule and could be completed sooner than expected, according to landowner Ryan Zimmerman, who spoke during a renewable energy conference on Wednesday in Norfolk. Click here to read the full article.

Due to rising energy demand, the development of wind energy generation continues to present opportunities for rural counties and landowners alike. A key to taking advantage of these opportunities begins with communication and collaboration between wind energy developers and communities. An example is found in Howard County, Iowa, where wind turbines have provided consistent economic value for farmers and the county, as detailed in a recent case study by the Center for Rural Affairs. Click here to read the full letter.

"I'm from a farm family. What I learned as an ethos there was don't waste anything," Josh Moenning with New Power Nebraska said. "If it's useful, use it. And we have these renewable natural resources."

Nearly a century ago, George Norris, a great United States senator, made the case for electrifying rural America. “These young men and young women, America’s farmers of the future, observing all the wonders of the modern age of electricity, will not be content with the homes of earlier America,” Norris wrote in his autobiography. “Unless those homes in the countrysides are lighted electrically and equipped with the devices electricity provides — for comfort, convenience and efficiency — they will not be content. They will have been trained in the colleges and universities of this country for the most efficient agricultural methods, and electricity will be a part of their lives.”

A New Power Nebraska webinar discussed the future of Nebraska’s energy. Led by former Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning, director of New Power Nebraska, Thursday’s webinar highlighted an energy report by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce along with the importance of renewable energy to continue economic growth.

Regarding the planning and zoning meeting of May 6 as a landowner in Knox County, I am very upset that the planning and zoning board feels is necessary to consider banning all windmills and solar farms in Knox County. Click here to read the full letter.

This time of year, farm and ranch families, for the third year in a row, are desperately looking for additional farm revenue to make their cashflows work as they meet with agricultural lenders. Rising farm inputs and low commodity prices will again squeeze some farm and ranch operations out of the business they love, those their families helped build over many generations. Click here to read the full letter.