‘Powering Our Future’ Earth Day Expo will feature high school debate and panel discussion

The fourth annual Earth Day Expo powers up on April 18 with a live debate and a panel discussion between high school students, with a variety of workshops and children’s activities planned.  

Organized by the Flathead Valley chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, the expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Flathead Valley Community College. Admission is free. 

In the live debate, titled Who Pays the Price? A World Schools Debate on Environmental Responsibility, nationally ranked speech and debate students from around Montana will make a case as to whether investors should be held legally responsible for the environmental impact of the companies they invest in. World Schools Debate is a dynamic, interactive format that requires teamwork and “in-depth quality argumentation,” according to the National Speech and Debate Association. 

Local high school students will also be featured in a panel discussion titled Youth Voices: Shaping Our Shared Future. 

Children are invited to participate in hands-on educational and art activities, including making energy pinwheels, coloring solar jitter bugs, assembling collages for Earth and Earth Dances. Children who complete activities listed in a Passport to Education will qualify for prize drawings.  

Returning this year is a crowd favorite — live raptors  — brought in by Montana Wild Wings. 

A Drive the Future Showcase will provide an up-close look at electric cars, bikes, a school bus and a boat. Workshops will cover topics such as how to install solar panels on a home, design choices for “ultra-efficient” buildings and repairing trail gear.  

“Solar energy is no longer a future concept,” said Thomas Clark, chief operating officer at Northstone Solar, an event sponsor. “Solar continues to make strong economic sense for homeowners, businesses, and communities in our region.” 

Experts from Pioneer Heating & Cooling and other local businesses and organizations will be available to provide attendees with actionable ways to lower utility costs. 

Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a national nonpartisan nonprofit with local chapters across the country.

    Eleanor Mauritzen, right, adds to a collage at the Earth Day Expo in this April 19, 2025, file photo (Daily Inter Lake).