Environment

passed · Nebraska · Legislature Mar 31, 2026

LR 438: Congratulate the Pribbeno family for earning the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's 2025 National Environmental Stewardship Award and for their exceptional stewardship of the land

This legislative resolution congratulates the Pribbeno family for receiving the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's 2025 National Environmental Stewardship Award. The bill recognizes their management of the Wine Glass Ranch, which spans 30,000 acres and includes conservation efforts like planting trees, implementing planned grazing systems, and adding native grasses. The resolution directs that a copy be sent to the Pribbeno family as formal acknowledgment of their environmental stewardship work.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill recognizes environmental stewardship efforts including tree planting, planned grazing, and native grass restoration on 30,000 acres.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 759A: Appropriation Bill

This bill allocates state funding to support the implementation of Legislative Bill 759, which addresses environmental management issues. It directs $830,000 from the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment Cash Fund for two fiscal years to fund Program 334, and an additional $600,000 from livestock and solid waste management funds for Program 513. The money is restricted from being used for employee salaries and per diems, ensuring it supports program operations rather than personnel costs. These appropriations enable the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment to carry out the specific provisions established in the related environmental legislation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $1.43M in state funding for environmental management programs, directly advancing budget appropriations for public services90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill allocates funding for environmental management programs, indicating support for environmental protection initiatives.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Waste Management

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in committee · Nebraska · Legislature Mar 30, 2026

LR 449: Interim study to examine state resources and programs to assist with recovery and restoration of agricultural lands that have suffered from devastating wildfires within the state

This legislative resolution directs the Nebraska Agriculture Committee to conduct an interim study on state resources and programs for recovering agricultural lands damaged by wildfires. The study will examine the loss of agricultural productivity, resource degradation, and government responses to wildfire damage, while also reviewing available assistance programs. The committee will produce a report with findings and recommendations to improve the state's ability to support long-term agricultural recovery. This measure is procedural and does not create new laws or funding, but instead initiates an investigation into existing support systems.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill examines wildfire recovery and agricultural land restoration, which supports environmental protection and natural resource conservation efforts.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1193: Provide regulation of and requirements for energy storage resources and change provisions relating to property tax exemptions and the nameplate capacity tax

Nebraska's LB 1193 establishes regulatory requirements for energy storage resources and modifies tax treatment for renewable energy infrastructure. The bill changes property tax exemptions by designating funds from the nameplate capacity tax (levied under section 77-6203) as "non-restricted" for the first five years after an energy storage facility or renewable generation facility begins operation. This policy directly affects energy storage facility operators and local governments managing tax revenues, as it allows communities to use these tax funds more flexibly for general purposes rather than restricted uses. The bill also harmonizes related provisions across multiple statutes to create a consistent regulatory framework for energy storage resources.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill modifies tax treatment to make nameplate capacity tax funds 'non-restricted' for renewable energy storage facilities, directly facilitating renewable infrastructure development.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill provides tax incentives for renewable energy infrastructure via non-restricted nameplate capacity tax funds, directly promoting clean energy adoption and supporting environmental protection goals.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Renewable Energy

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1003: Adopt the Renewable Energy Consumer Protection Act and provide a deceptive trade practice

LB 1003 adopts the Renewable Energy Consumer Protection Act to protect Nebraska consumers purchasing or leasing residential and small business solar or wind energy systems. It requires renewable energy sales companies to provide a clear, five-page written disclosure form at least 30 days before signing an agreement, including company contact details, payment schedules, system design specifics (like size and estimated energy production), and maintenance provider information. This bill directly affects consumers making major investments in renewable energy systems and the sales companies marketing these systems. The law aims to ensure consumers receive standardized, transparent information about contracts, rebates, warranties, and system performance before committing.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires clear disclosures for solar/wind consumer agreements, protecting buyers and promoting renewable energy adoption per Renewable Energy Consumer Protection Act.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables renewable energy adoption via consumer protection for solar/wind systems, promoting clean energy use without explicit environmental language.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Wind

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1163: Change provisions relating to the Property Assessed Clean Energy Act

Nebraska's LB 1163 amends rules for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) liens on properties. It changes how delinquent annual PACE assessments become liens: for single-family homes, liens are recorded immediately upon assessment (not when delinquent), while non-residential properties require recording after delinquency. The bill clarifies lien priority - PACE liens rank below prior mortgages for single-family homes but match tax lien status for other properties - and specifies that delinquent PACE assessments may be extinguished in foreclosure if sale proceeds are insufficient. This directly affects property owners with PACE financing, particularly those selling or facing foreclosure on qualifying energy-efficiency projects.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyAmends PACE lien rules to streamline financing for clean energy projects, supporting renewable energy adoption through improved property assessment mechanisms.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAmends PACE lien rules to facilitate clean energy financing, promoting adoption of energy efficiency/renewable upgrades. No environmental restrictions noted; clarifies processes to support program implementation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1248: Change appropriations to the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment

LB 1248 increases funding for Nebraska's Department of Water, Energy, and Environment by over $38 million in fiscal year 2026-27, raising total program appropriations from $94 million to $132 million. It specifically allocates $38 million in General Funds to provide grants to cities of the first class operating wastewater treatment facilities facing capacity challenges due to industrial wastewater from calcium caseinate manufacturing. Additionally, it redirects up to $6 million in unspent cash funds to grant metropolitan utilities districts for replacing lead service lines. The bill directly affects environmental programs, municipal utilities, and cities with specific wastewater treatment issues.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases state funding for environmental department by $38M, allocates General Funds for wastewater infrastructure grants. Directly advances budget appropriations for public services.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill increases funding to Department of Water, Energy, and Environment for wastewater treatment grants addressing industrial pollution, directly supporting water quality protection.95% confidence

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1076: Change penalty provisions relating to the Nebraska Geologic Storage of Carbon Dioxide Act

LB 1076 amends penalty provisions for violations of Nebraska's Geologic Storage of Carbon Dioxide Act, directly affecting companies and operators handling carbon storage under the law. It clarifies misdemeanor classifications (Class II for general violations, Class I for willful acts) and adds civil penalties ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 per day for ongoing violations. The bill specifies that penalties must consider factors like the violation's severity, environmental harm, previous violations, and efforts to correct the issue. These changes harmonize existing penalties and provide clearer enforcement mechanisms for the Nebraska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentClarifies penalties for carbon storage violations, strengthening enforcement of environmental regulations under Nebraska's CO2 storage law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1026: Prohibit retirement, shutdown, cessation of operation, and alteration of operation of certain energy generation facilities

This bill prohibits private owners from shutting down, retiring, closing, or altering operations of certain privately developed renewable energy facilities, specifically those using solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, landfill gas, or biogas. It directly affects private electric suppliers who operate these facilities, such as standalone solar or wind power plants not owned by public entities like municipalities or cooperatives. The law requires these facilities to maintain operations without authorization changes, amending existing energy regulations to enforce this prohibition. It does not apply to facilities owned by public power districts or government entities.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProhibits shutdown of renewable energy facilities (solar, wind, etc.), directly protecting existing renewable infrastructure and operations.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits shutdown of renewable energy facilities (solar, wind, etc.), ensuring continued operation of clean energy sources to reduce emissions and support environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Wind Waste Management

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LR 298CA: Constitutional amendment to create requirements for the use of the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund

This proposed constitutional amendment (LR 298CA) would require that 44.5% of Nebraska lottery proceeds, after covering prizes and operating costs, be allocated to the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund. The fund must use these funds exclusively for conservation projects like protecting natural habitats, wildlife, water resources, and scenic areas through competitive grants. It applies to all lottery revenue generated under Nebraska's existing lottery system and requires voter approval in November 2026 to take effect. The amendment does not create new taxes but mandates specific spending from current lottery revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects 44.5% of lottery revenue to conservation fund, increasing dedicated budget allocation for environmental projects via competitive grants.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates 44.5% of lottery proceeds for conservation grants protecting habitats, wildlife, and water resources through dedicated Environmental Trust Fund95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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