Energy

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1010: Adopt the Large Load Customer Regulation Act, provide for eminent domain relating to energy storage and regulation and taxation of energy storage resources, and change provisions relating to cryptocurrency mining operations and data centers

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProhibits electric cooperatives from using eminent domain to seize renewable energy projects (wind farms), protecting renewable infrastructure development under Section 70-1014.02.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Renewable Energy

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 801: Adopt updates to building and energy codes

Nebraska's LB 801 updates the state's building and energy codes by adopting the 2024 editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), while maintaining some exceptions from older versions. This bill directly affects local governments (counties, cities, and villages) that enforce building codes, requiring them to adopt these updated standards within two years or have the state code automatically apply. Key provisions include mandating that local codes conform generally to the state code, requiring notification to the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment for certain code changes, and specifying that radon-resistant construction standards must meet existing state requirements. The bill does not create new local code options but updates the baseline for all local building and energy regulations across Nebraska.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyUpdates building/energy codes to 2024 standards, mandating higher energy efficiency requirements for new construction and infrastructure compliance.85% confidence

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1109: Eliminate certain sales and use tax exemptions and a renewable energy tax credit and change provisions relating to the Nebraska Advantage Research and Development Act and the ImagiNE Nebraska Act

LB 1109 eliminates specific sales and use tax exemptions (including those for energy-related items and certain nonprofit purchases) and removes a renewable energy tax credit. It modifies provisions under the Nebraska Advantage Research and Development Act regarding tax credits and updates the ImagiNE Nebraska Act. The bill repeals several existing tax sections (77-2701.54, 77-2704.57, etc.) and requires a revised tax expenditure report detailing revenue losses from exemptions. These changes directly affect businesses and organizations currently benefiting from the eliminated exemptions and credits.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEliminates tax exemptions/credits to increase state revenue, closes loopholes, and requires tax expenditure reporting per fiscal responsibility indicators.95% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyRemoves renewable energy tax credit and eliminates energy-related tax exemptions, directly defunding renewable initiatives and weakening clean energy incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Sales Tax Tax Incentives Renewable Energy

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1134: Change and provide limitations on updates to state and local building codes, electrical codes, and energy codes

LB 1134 establishes Nebraska's baseline building, electrical, and energy codes by adopting specific editions of international codes (like the 2018 International Building Code) as the state standard. It limits local governments from creating stricter codes than the state version, prohibiting updates to local codes that exceed the state code's requirements until 2031. The bill requires local governments to provide independent third-party evidence verifying that any code change is necessary for public safety or compliance with state/federal law, rather than for cost reduction. This directly affects counties, cities, and villages that enforce building codes, as well as construction businesses and property owners subject to these regulations.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyProhibits local governments from adopting stricter energy efficiency codes beyond 2031, limiting advancement of energy standards.85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentPrevents local governments from adopting stricter energy efficiency codes, limiting environmental protections until 2031 by prohibiting updates exceeding state standards.85% confidence ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill prohibits local governments from updating codes stricter than state baseline until 2031, limiting potential for housing affordability measures like energy-efficient standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1259: Adopt the Grid Modernization Act

LB 1259 adopts the Grid Modernization Act to establish rules for large electricity demands in Nebraska. It directly affects major industrial customers (requesting 100+ megawatts of service) and public power utilities, while creating new pathways for private energy providers to supply power through closed systems. The bill requires a mandatory evaluation before approving big service requests, assessing grid impacts, necessary infrastructure upgrades, costs, and timelines. This framework ensures safe, reliable service for large customers while defining how private power systems and public utilities interact under new contracts.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyEstablishes grid modernization rules requiring infrastructure evaluations for large energy projects, enabling clean energy integration through mandatory impact assessments and pathway creation for private providers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid

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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 1172: Provide requirements for electric suppliers relating to dispatchable electricity capacity

LB 1172 requires Nebraska's electric suppliers (including public power districts, cooperatives, and municipalities with power systems) to maintain at least 75% of their electricity capacity from "dispatchable" sources - electricity that can be quickly supplied on demand, like gas plants, rather than weather-dependent sources. Suppliers must annually certify compliance with this rule to the Nebraska Power Review Board and submit a compliance plan within 60 days if they fall short. The bill defines key terms like "dispatchable electricity" and "capacity" to clarify the requirement, while protecting related communications as confidential until a facility closure decision is publicly announced. It does not apply to closures decided before April 2024.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyMandates 75% dispatchable capacity (gas plants), restricting renewable energy development by prioritizing fossil fuel-based generation over weather-dependent sources.95% confidence

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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 Jun 6, 2025

LB 191: Change provisions relating to unlawful interference with telecommunications under the One-Call Notification System Act

This bill expands protections under Nebraska's One-Call Notification System Act by broadening the definition of unlawful interference to include disruptions to telecommunications, broadband, communications, and power transmission infrastructure. It directly affects individuals who intentionally damage or interfere with utility poles, cables, or transmission systems. The key change replaces the original language to explicitly cover these infrastructure types, making it a violation to disrupt such services. Penalties for violations will now follow the existing provisions in section 28-519 of Nebraska law. The bill does not create new penalties but updates the scope of existing protections.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly protects power transmission infrastructure under One-Call Act, strengthening safeguards for energy infrastructure stability.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill expands legal protections for telecommunications/broadband infrastructure by criminalizing disruptions to utility poles, cables, and transmission systems, strengthening infrastructure security.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Transmission Broadband Access Telecommunications

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Jun 6, 2025

LB 622: Provide for the Statewide Housing Assistance Program and change provisions relating to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, recipients of assistance, and selection of recipients under the Nebraska Affordable Housing Act and the rate and disbursement of the documentary stamp tax

LB 622 establishes Nebraska's Statewide Housing Assistance Program, using the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to provide direct financial aid like downpayment assistance to low- and very low-income homebuyers. It expands eligible uses of the Trust Fund to include weatherization, energy improvements, and housing education programs, while requiring nonprofits and local groups to receive priority for funding. The bill mandates that at least 30% of annual Trust Fund dollars be allocated to each congressional district and prioritizes projects serving the lowest-income residents in blighted areas or enterprise zones. This program directly affects low-income households seeking homeownership and community organizations administering housing assistance across Nebraska.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates Trust Fund dollars to housing assistance programs, expanding funding for low-income homebuyers and housing services under fiscal management framework.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly expands Trust Fund use to include 'energy improvements' and 'weatherization', directly promoting energy efficiency measures.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes statewide housing assistance with downpayment aid for low-income homebuyers, expands Trust Fund uses to weatherization/energy, prioritizes nonprofits for funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Affordable Housing Homeownership Housing Finance

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