A Nebraska poll says rural communities have strong and aggressive support for renewable energy.

Released Tuesday, the Nebraska Rural Poll suggested that 91 percent of rural Nebraskans polled believe renewable energy can help meet the nation's energy needs. Respondents also said greater efforts are needed to further develop alternative sources of fuel, including ethanol and biodiesel.

The poll says 89 percent of respondents believed wind and solar energy are the most important. Also, 77 percent acknowledged that Americans need to change their energy-consuming lifestyles.

Surveys were mailed to 6,200 homes in 84 rural Nebraska counties. The response rate was 40 percent. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points.