A comprehensive State energy plan took public input Thursday at Northwest Missouri State University.

“We are hearing information from recognized subject matter experts,” said Missouri Department of Economic Development Division of Energy Dir., Lewis Mills. “We want to look at the State as a whole and see how we can use energy more efficiently.”

Northwest hosted the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s division of Energy public meeting Thursday. The meeting featured presentations about varied local and state energy initiatives.

“In Missouri I think there’s a very bright future,” said Mills.

The meeting was one of seven public meetings held across the state. Mills said Northwest was select because of its approach to energy sustainability.

“They started back in the 1970s developing alternative sources of energy for their needs here on campus,” said Mills. “They burn a significant amount of wood chips, paper and wood waste to power their heating and cooling systems.”