Energy

This bill appropriates $4,750 from the Nebraska Power Review Fund for each of the fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28 to support the Nebraska Power Review Board. The funds are designated to help carry out provisions from Legislative Bill 1261, which establishes the board's operations. The appropriation specifically excludes spending on permanent or temporary employee salaries and per diems. This measure provides financial resources for the board's program activities without expanding personnel costs.

LB 815 imposes a 9.5-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel fuels, effective January 1, 2019, which must be paid by fuel producers, suppliers, and distributors. It changes the rules for refunding motor fuel taxes and eliminates the Ethanol Production Incentive Cash Fund, which previously provided financial support to ethanol producers. The bill also modifies or removes several provisions from the Ethanol Development Act that governed ethanol-related tax programs. Additionally, it repeals multiple sections of existing law related to fuel taxes and ethanol incentives.

LB 1010 allows Nebraska electric districts to use eminent domain (government power to acquire property) for energy storage facilities, including batteries and other systems for storing electricity. It specifically prohibits consumer-owned electric cooperatives from using eminent domain to take privately developed renewable energy projects (like wind farms and their related infrastructure) that meet requirements under Section 70-1014.02. The bill updates rules for how utilities apply for permits, file notices, and handle violations related to energy storage resources. These changes aim to clarify legal authority for energy storage while protecting existing renewable energy investments.

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.