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.

Nebraska's LB 36 establishes the Safe Battery Collection and Recycling Act, requiring producers of covered batteries (excluding medical devices, vehicle batteries, and certain electronics) to join designated battery stewardship organizations by January 1, 2028. These organizations must meet recycling efficiency targets for collected batteries, with penalties for noncompliance. The bill also creates a Home Weatherization Clearinghouse to support energy efficiency programs and includes provisions for mitigating habitat impacts on threatened or endangered species. It modifies water recreation, groundwater allocation, and Game and Parks Commission permit rules but focuses primarily on battery recycling requirements for producers and retailers.