Environment (Conservation)

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 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

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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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1141: Create the Nebraska Youth Pre-Apprentice Conservation Program, provide powers and duties to the Game and Parks Commission, and transfer funds from the Workforce Development Program Cash Fund

LB 1141 creates the Nebraska Youth Pre-Apprentice Conservation Program to employ opportunity youth (ages 16-21 who face trauma, legal issues, or school challenges) on conservation projects under the Game and Parks Commission. The program provides six-week, minimum-wage jobs focused on environmental work, combining job training with personal development, while excluding participants from state employee benefits. It establishes a dedicated fund using a $750,000 transfer from the Workforce Development Program Cash Fund and requires the Commission to report annually on participation and project impact. The program aims to support youth development and conservation efforts through structured, short-term employment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates Nebraska Youth Conservation Program for environmental work under Game and Parks Commission, directly funding conservation projects and natural resource management through dedicated funding.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates minimum-wage jobs with training for opportunity youth, aligns with workforce development funding, and targets employment barriers without restricting wages or benefits.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Apprenticeships Public Employees Workforce Development

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1186: Adopt the Affordable American Energy and Jobs Act and change distribution provisions relating to the nameplate capacity tax

Nebraska's LB 1186 adopts the "Affordable American Energy and Jobs Act" to streamline development of wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydropower, and battery storage projects. It requires private energy developers to sign long-term power purchase agreements with public entities (like municipal utilities or power districts) for all energy generated, while prohibiting eminent domain over these projects. The bill mandates the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment to create non-binding "best practices" guidelines for siting projects, covering wildlife protection, agricultural land preservation, community benefits, and job creation for Nebraskans. Counties that adopt these guidelines become eligible for additional revenue from the nameplate capacity tax. The law focuses on balancing project development with community and environmental considerations through standardized planning criteria.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill streamlines renewable energy development (wind/solar/biomass etc.) via mandatory power agreements with public entities and prohibits eminent domain, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes renewable energy development (wind/solar/biomass) by streamlining project approvals and requiring public power agreements, advancing clean energy adoption.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Hydroelectric Solar Conservation Wildlife

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 772: Eliminate provisions allowing certain transfers of funds

LB 772 eliminates specific provisions that allow certain state funds to transfer money to Nebraska's General Fund. The bill targets multiple funds, including the Certified Public Accountants Fund, Small Watersheds Flood Control Fund, and Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Fund, by removing language permitting such transfers. It does not create new funding mechanisms but removes existing authority for these transfers. The bill directly affects how these specific funds can be managed, preventing future transfers to the General Fund without new legislative action. This is a procedural change to fund management rules, not a new policy affecting public services or programs.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesRemoves authority for fund transfers to General Fund, restricting budget flexibility and limiting allocation options for specific funds.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPrevents diversion of Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Fund funds, preserving dedicated environmental conservation funding by eliminating transfer provisions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 827: Provide for natural resources districts to create soil and water programs

This bill allows Nebraska's natural resources districts to create and run programs focused on soil health and water conservation. It gives districts new authority to conduct demonstration projects showing effective conservation methods (like preventing soil erosion) and to host educational events for farmers and the public about protecting natural resources. Districts must coordinate these programs with the University of Nebraska and other state agencies. The bill directly affects natural resources districts, landowners (who must consent to district projects on their property), and agricultural producers participating in the programs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables soil/water conservation programs, prevents erosion, and coordinates with agencies to protect natural resources through demonstration projects and education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 145: Require the Director of Agriculture to administer a grant program relating to noxious weeds and restate intent regarding appropriations for vegetation management

LB 145 requires Nebraska's Director of Agriculture to administer a new grant program using funds from the Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Species Assistance Fund. The grants will support local weed control authorities, natural resources districts, and other entities for activities like research, innovative control methods, responding to invasive plant infestations threatening cropland or wildlife habitats, and monitoring invasive species. The bill also establishes a new annual funding requirement of three million dollars specifically for vegetation management along natural stream banks to improve streamflow, with priority given to river basins covered by interstate agreements. This directly affects local governments, land managers, and conservation groups working on noxious weed control across Nebraska.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds grant program for invasive species control threatening habitats/cropland, directly supporting environmental protection through conservation and habitat preservation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 611: Adopt updates to building and energy codes

LB 611 updates Nebraska's building and energy codes by adopting the 2021 editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), replacing older versions. It requires all cities, counties, and villages to adopt these updated codes within two years or default to the state code for construction, with exceptions for farm-related projects. The bill also mandates new state buildings meet the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code. These changes directly affect local governments, builders, and developers across Nebraska.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates adoption of 2021 International Energy Conservation Code for new state buildings, directly advancing energy efficiency standards in construction.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAdopts 2021 energy conservation code requiring new state buildings to meet stricter efficiency standards, reducing energy consumption and emissions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Conservation

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Jun 6, 2025

LB 568: Provide for Arbor Day Plates and the Home of Arbor Day Plate Cash Fund and change provisions relating to license plates

Nebraska bill LB 568 creates "Arbor Day Plates" for vehicle registration and establishes the "Home of Arbor Day Plate Cash Fund" to receive revenue from these specialty plates. The fund will provide grants for projects related to Arbor Day or tree conservation, though specific grant recipients aren't detailed in the bill text. The legislation also eliminates outdated provisions related to other specialty license plates and harmonizes existing plate regulations. This is a procedural change affecting vehicle owners who choose to purchase the Arbor Day plate, with no direct impact on other license plate types beyond the eliminated provisions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates fund for tree conservation grants via Arbor Day Plates, directly advancing environmental conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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