Over the course of the University of Iowa Public Policy Center's Meeting the Renewable Energy Challenge Symposium, participants looked critically at the present and future of renewable energy in Iowa and the nation. How can the government facilitate a shift away from nonrenewable sources and towards a cleaner energy future? Will doing so help reduce the effects of climate change? Discussion topics included energy policy, infrastructure development of storage and transmission technologies for wind and solar, biofuels, and environmental problems.

Renewable energy technology and policy are the main focus of this two-day symposium, which included:

• Student Energy Expo and poster session | Wed., Oct. 15, 2-5pm | Main Lounge, Iowa Memorial Union
• Renewable Energy Debate: Resolved: That the U.S. Congress should implement a plan to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030 | Wed., Oct. 15, 7pm | Main Lounge, Iowa Memorial Union
• Full-day symposium | Thurs., Oct. 16 | Main Lounge, Iowa Memorial Union
• James Hansen Lecture | Thurs., Oct. 16, 7pm | Main Lounge, Iowa Memorial Union

Student organizations from any Iowa university were invited to attend and present materials, and there were many student posters displayed showcasing research related to renewable energy, energy policy, the environment, and/or sustainability. Cash prizes were given out to select student poster presenters, and there was a chance to win a solar cell phone/laptop charger.

In advance of the symposium, there was a screening of the documentary, "Dirty Business: “Clean Coal” and the Battle for Our Energy Future" at 7 p.m., Oct. 8 in Shambaugh Auditorium, 100 Main Library.

To learn more about the symposium visit http://ppc.uiowa.edu/forkenbrock/renewable-energy