January 22, 2025 – LINCOLN, Neb. – The Conservative Energy Network - Nebraska (CEN-NE), an affiliate organization of the Conservative Energy Network, launched today, joining a national network of 26 state-based organizations focused on championing secure, reliable, affordable, and clean American energy.
"Today marks an exciting new chapter for Nebraska’s energy future,” said Chris Peterson, Director of the Conservative Energy Network - Nebraska. “By cultivating partnerships and empowering communities, we’re working to ensure Nebraska’s energy solutions are secure, reliable, affordable. Together with the Nebraska Land & Liberty Coalition, we aim to protect property rights, drive economic growth, and champion innovative energy policies that benefit all Nebraskans.”
As part of the launch, CEN-NE also announced the launch of the Nebraska Land & Liberty Coalition. The Land & Liberty CoalitionⓇ (L&LC), a project of the Conservative Energy Network (CEN), is a grassroots organization that partners with local citizens, landowners, rural Nebraska advocates and policymakers to promote commonsense policies that advance energy-focused economic opportunity projects while protecting and benefiting local communities.
“The Land & Liberty Coalition helps preserve the property rights of farmers and landowners who choose to voluntarily lease their land for renewable energy projects, and also helps connect local citizens who support energy-focused economic development in their communities with tools and information,” said Bradley Pischea, National Director of the Land & Liberty Coalition. “I’m proud to personally live in the great state of Nebraska, and to bring a local chapter of the coalition here to help tell the story of the positive economic impacts of new energy developments in rural communities across the state.”
By providing relevant information and helping citizens organize as effective advocates, L&LC empowers individuals and communities to take control of their community’s land-use future.
“The Nebraska Land & Liberty Coalition is committed to empowering rural communities and landowners with the tools they need to shape their energy future," said Dylan Glaser, Field Representative of the Nebraska Land & Liberty Coalition. "By fostering collaboration among local citizens, farmers, and policymakers, we’re helping ensure that renewable energy projects not only respect property rights but also drive economic opportunity and growth for Nebraska’s rural communities."
CEN recognized the need for grassroots involvement in energy-focused economic development projects and launched L&LC in Michigan in 2018 with a mission to support rural residents as they navigate the siting process that goes along with these projects. The program quickly grew to include chapters in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. By establishing a Nebraska chapter, L&LC seeks to leverage their experience to ensure local Nebraska communities reap the benefits of a growing energy industry.