This post was written by Ben Rivers, Freshman environmental science and policy major at the University of Maryland.

I came to Wind Vision 2010 to learn about wind power and Maryland’s wind industry. To my delight, everything from why Maryland should install offshore wind to the political battles being fought was presented, and consequently I feel as if I can speak knowledgeably about how this renewable source will be utilized.

The best speakers not only informed the audience, but also channeled the room’s considerable energy; Senator Paul Pinsky’s speech was motivational and Lester Brown’s closing remarks heartfelt. Together, their presentations called audience members to action and gave working to advance renewable energies a new validity. Mike Tidwell’s and Robert Mitchell’s remarks were possibly the most valuable, as they helped me understand basic information about the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Maryland’s wind resources.

My favorite part of the conference, beside Lester Brown’s closing remarks, was the breakout session “Offshore wind or mountaintop removal in Maryland? And the logjam in federal permitting for offshore wind: What can Maryland do?” Bruce Williams from the University of Delaware gave a talk that realistically addressed any and all environmental concerns about installing and producing wind power. He and Ted Glick from CCAN were also able to clearly describe what Maryland and the federal government are doing to make the permitting process faster. “How you can make history: A winning plan for Maryland wind power in 2011- turning grassroots into political power,” was a good follow-up to Senator Pinsky’s talk, informing people on how to get involved.

My only regret was that I could only go to two of the three breakout sessions. So because I chose to go to the activist and environmental quality workshops, I was unable to hear the steel union’s perspective on wind power or learn about the Bluewater Wind project. I also felt that because the conference focused so strongly on motivating people to take action, it should have allowed everyone to attend the session that informed them on what they could do.

But, structural issues aside, attending Wind Vision 2010 was well worth the drive to Annapolis and I would definitely go again if given the chance.