Environment

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 607: Adopt the Environmental Stewardship of Batteries Act, the Extended Producer Responsibility Data Collection Act, and the Minimum Recycled Content Act, and change provisions relating to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Act, the Environmental Protection Act, and the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Fund

LB 607 adopts three new acts: the Environmental Stewardship of Batteries Act (requiring proper battery recycling), the Extended Producer Responsibility Data Collection Act (mandating data on product take-back), and the Minimum Recycled Content Act (setting recycled material requirements for products). The bill redefines key terms like "manufacturing facility" (processing plastic waste into new materials via methods like pyrolysis or depolymerization) and "recycled plastic" (using mass balance tracking under third-party certification), clarifying that these processes count as recycling, not waste management. It directly affects manufacturers handling plastic waste, requiring them to meet new recycled content standards and report data, while updating Nebraska’s waste management laws to align with these changes. The bill aims to strengthen recycling infrastructure and accountability in the state’s solid waste system.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates battery recycling, producer data collection, and recycled content requirements, directly strengthening waste management and resource conservation under environmental protection framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 349: Change provisions relating to applications, notices, filings, exemptions, and violations regarding the construction or acquisition of certain electric energy storage resources by electric suppliers

LB 349 updates Nebraska's regulatory process for electric suppliers building or acquiring battery storage systems and other grid-scale energy storage resources. It streamlines application requirements, notices, and filing procedures while clarifying exemptions for these projects. The bill directly affects electric suppliers (like utility companies) by changing how they must seek approval for storage infrastructure, aiming to simplify the process without altering the definition of storage resources. This is a procedural change focused on regulatory efficiency, not new energy policies.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyStreamlines regulatory process for energy storage infrastructure, enabling faster deployment of grid-scale renewable energy resources without altering definitions or funding.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentStreamlines regulatory process for grid-scale energy storage, enabling renewable energy integration and reducing fossil fuel reliance, a key environmental benefit.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 86: Appropriate funds to the Department of Natural Resources

LB 86 appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund for Fiscal Year 2025-26 to the Department of Natural Resources specifically for Program 334. This funding enables grants to natural resources districts that manage over 250 watershed structures, covering projects costing more than $30,000 per structure for operation, maintenance, or repair. The bill is classified as an emergency measure, taking effect upon approval.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $500k from General Fund for watershed infrastructure projects, directly funding essential natural resource management under state budget.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds watershed structure maintenance/repair via natural resources districts, directly supporting environmental conservation and infrastructure protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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signed · Nebraska · Legislature Feb 10, 2026

LB 207: Provide a registration fee under the Motor Vehicle Registration Act for certain commercially registered alternative fuel vehicles

LB 207 creates a tiered registration fee for alternative fuel vehicles under Nebraska's Motor Vehicle Registration Act. It charges a base $150 fee for most alternative fuel vehicles (reduced to $75 for motorcycles and plug-in hybrids), but imposes a three-times higher fee ($450) for commercially registered vehicles over 7,500 lbs gross weight. The revenue from these fees is directed to the Highway Trust Fund. This bill directly affects commercial fleet operators using alternative fuel vehicles weighing more than 7,500 pounds, modifying their registration costs under existing law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes tiered registration fees on commercial alternative fuel vehicles, directing revenue to Highway Trust Fund for infrastructure funding, aligning with fiscal responsibility and program funding indicators.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes tiered registration fees for alternative fuel vehicles, directing revenue to highway infrastructure, promoting clean energy adoption through targeted incentives.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes tiered fees for alternative fuel vehicles, promoting their adoption to reduce emissions. Higher commercial fees still incentivize use while funding infrastructure via Highway Trust Fund.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill directs registration fees from alternative fuel vehicles to Highway Trust Fund, explicitly funding transportation infrastructure projects per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles Transportation Funding Vehicle Registration

passed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 1, 2025

LR 17: Approve the indication of intent by the Game and Parks Commission to incorporate Camp Augustine into the state park system

This legislative resolution (LR 17) approves the Game and Parks Commission's intent to incorporate Camp Augustine - a 156-acre campground owned by the city of Grand Island - into Nebraska's state park system, specifically alongside Mormon Island State Recreation Area. It does not create new park facilities but authorizes the Commission to pursue this partnership with Grand Island, subject to cost approval through the normal budget process. The resolution requires that any costs for incorporation be covered by separate legislative budget approvals, not existing funds. This is a procedural step required by state law before the Commission can move forward with the partnership.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentApproves incorporating Camp Augustine (156-acre campground) into state park system, conserving natural area alongside existing recreation area per park system expansion.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Parks & Recreation

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 450: Change provisions relating to the Property Assessed Clean Energy Act

LB 450 amends Nebraska's Property Assessed Clean Energy Act to expand how municipalities can finance energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements on properties. It allows cities, counties, or villages to create "clean energy assessment districts" where property owners (including agricultural, commercial, industrial, and single-family residential properties) can pay for upgrades like solar panels, insulation, or backup generators through annual property assessments over the project's lifespan. The bill updates definitions for terms like "energy efficiency improvement" and "grid resiliency improvement" to clarify eligible projects, such as energy-saving windows, smart grid tech, or renewable systems. Note: This bill was amended into LB 288 on June 6, 2025, and is no longer active in its original form.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExpands municipal financing for renewable energy upgrades (solar, insulation) via clean energy assessment districts, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure and efficiency.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands financing for solar, insulation, and renewable energy projects via property assessments, directly promoting clean energy adoption and energy efficiency.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Solar

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 459: Establish the Home Weatherization Clearinghouse within the Department of Environment and Energy

LB 459 would have established a Home Weatherization Clearinghouse within Nebraska's Department of Environment and Energy to coordinate weatherization programs. The clearinghouse would serve as a central hub for homeowners, nonprofits, and agencies seeking funding for home weatherization and rehabilitation projects, helping applicants navigate state, local, and federal programs. It would prioritize whole-home rehabilitation projects for funding and limit administrative costs to 10% of program funds. Note: This bill was amended into LB 36 on June 6, 2025, and is no longer active as a standalone measure.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates a clearinghouse to coordinate home weatherization programs, directly promoting energy efficiency by helping homeowners reduce energy consumption through rehabilitation projects.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes clearinghouse to coordinate home weatherization funding, promoting energy efficiency and reduced emissions through rehabilitation projects95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Jun 6, 2025

LB 531: Provide an exception to the requirement that buildings constructed with state funds comply with the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code

LB 531 exempts certain affordable housing projects from requiring compliance with the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code. Specifically, it prohibits the Department of Economic Development from mandating that new construction or rental conversion projects receiving funding from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund meet the energy efficiency standards in the code. The bill amends existing law to clarify this exception while maintaining the code's requirement for all other state-funded buildings. It does not change energy standards for non-affordable housing projects or other state construction.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill exempts affordable housing from 2018 energy conservation code compliance, weakening mandatory efficiency standards for state-funded projects.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts affordable housing from energy efficiency standards, weakening conservation requirements in state-funded construction projects.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts affordable housing projects from energy code compliance, reducing development costs to support affordability under the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Conservation Affordable Housing Building Codes Housing Finance

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Jun 6, 2025

LB 628: Adopt the Recreational Trail Easement Property Tax Exemption Act and change provisions relating to the filing of statements of recorded easements and property tax exemptions

This bill creates a property tax exemption for Nebraska landowners who place perpetual recreational trail easements on their land. The exemption provides $0.10 per square foot annually for qualifying easements that grant public nonmotorized access (such as walking, hiking, or biking) and connect to existing or planned trails. To qualify, easements must be held by eligible entities like municipalities, accredited land trusts, or specific nonprofits focused on public access and conservation, and landowners must apply through the Department of Revenue with proof of the recorded easement. The bill also updates filing procedures for easement documentation to support this tax program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates property tax exemption (tax relief) for qualifying landowners to promote public trail access, aligning with tax relief indicators.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill provides tax exemption for conservation-focused recreational trail easements, directly incentivizing land conservation and public access to natural areas per qualifying entities' conservation focus.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Conservation Parks & Recreation

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signed · Nebraska · Legislature Feb 26, 2025

LB 167: Change the sunset date for the Nebraska Litter Reduction and Recycling Act

Nebraska Legislative Bill 167 extends the termination date of the Nebraska Litter Reduction and Recycling Act from September 30, 2025, to September 30, 2030. This change directly affects the state's litter reduction program and the requirements established under the Act, allowing it to continue operating for five additional years. The bill amends the existing law to require the department to complete a review of the program's effectiveness at least six months before the new termination date, ensuring continued evaluation of its impact. This procedural adjustment maintains the Act's framework without altering its core requirements or creating new obligations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends litter reduction/recycling program duration, maintaining environmental protections without weakening provisions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling