LB 36A is an appropriation bill that allocates specific funds from the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Fund to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. It provides $51,585 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $109,036 for 2026-27 to support Program 513, directly funding the implementation of Legislative Bill 36. The bill includes spending limits: total salary and per diem costs cannot exceed $30,264 for 2025-26 or $63,554 for 2026-27. This funding mechanism ensures resources are available for the waste reduction program outlined in LB 36, without changing laws or affecting the public directly.
LB 8 amends Nebraska's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit Act to make the credit refundable (allowing businesses to receive cash payments even if they owe no tax) and removes annual and multi-year limits on claiming the credit. This change directly affects sustainable aviation fuel producers and businesses in Nebraska that qualify for the tax credit under the existing act. The bill also adjusts the effective date for the credit and harmonizes related provisions across tax code sections. These modifications aim to increase accessibility and predictability for businesses investing in sustainable aviation fuel.
LB 164, the Urban Development Incentive Act, creates a state grant program to support small and emerging developers in economically distressed areas of Nebraska. The bill provides funding for affordable commercial space development, rehabilitation, and sustainability features, with grants covering up to 20% of project costs (max $3.5 million per project) and specific categories for financing help, job training, and green building certification. It directly affects small developers (under 50 employees, <$5M revenue) working in areas meeting federal census criteria for high unemployment (≥150% state average) and poverty (≥20%). The program requires community engagement documentation and annual reporting to the Legislature on grant usage and job creation.
LB 309 requires producers of covered batteries (like small consumer electronics) to join approved recycling programs by 2028 and mandates clear labeling on batteries by 2029 to show chemistry and proper disposal instructions. It directly affects battery manufacturers and retailers selling products containing portable or medium-format batteries (excluding medical devices, car batteries, and non-removable batteries). The law creates a system where producers fund recycling through designated organizations, tracks collection and recycling rates, and prohibits selling unmarked batteries. This aims to ensure safe disposal and recycling while exempting certain batteries like those in medical devices or vehicles.
LB 459 would have established a Home Weatherization Clearinghouse within Nebraska's Department of Environment and Energy to coordinate weatherization programs. The clearinghouse would serve as a central hub for homeowners, nonprofits, and agencies seeking funding for home weatherization and rehabilitation projects, helping applicants navigate state, local, and federal programs. It would prioritize whole-home rehabilitation projects for funding and limit administrative costs to 10% of program funds. Note: This bill was amended into LB 36 on June 6, 2025, and is no longer active as a standalone measure.
LB 43 modifies notice and certification requirements for privately developed renewable energy facilities (like solar or wind projects) and transmission lines located near military installations in Nebraska. It directly affects private renewable energy developers who must now comply with updated notification and certification processes when building projects near designated military sites, including Air Force bases and missile silos. The bill harmonizes existing rules by revising sections of Nebraska law to streamline these requirements, removing redundancies while maintaining security considerations for military operations. The changes became effective upon the governor’s approval on February 25, 2025.
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.
This legislative resolution (LR 118) proposes an interim study to address inconsistent property valuation methods for biofuel facilities across Nebraska counties. It directs the Revenue Committee to examine current practices and develop a standardized approach for classifying and valuing these properties, which currently vary by jurisdiction. The study aims to create uniformity in tax assessments, reduce financial burdens on biofuel producers, and support industry growth. As a procedural resolution (not an enacted law), it does not change tax rates but sets up a review process to be completed by the committee. The committee will report findings and recommendations to the Legislature after its study concludes.
Nebraska bill LB 121 prohibits landfills from accepting solar panels, wind turbine blades, and their component parts. This amendment to the state's solid waste management law adds these renewable energy components to the list of materials already banned from landfill disposal, alongside items like tires, lead-acid batteries, and appliances. The bill directly affects waste management facilities, solar energy companies, and wind farm operators by requiring alternative disposal methods for these items. It does not specify new disposal requirements but mandates that these materials cannot be landfilled, aligning with broader waste management regulations. The bill is currently pending in the Natural Resources Committee.
Nebraska's LB 129 prohibits local governments (counties, cities, villages) from restricting the use of specific energy sources like natural gas, propane, renewable diesel, hydrogen, or electricity for electric vehicles. It directly affects energy providers - including natural gas utilities, propane retailers, and other energy marketers - by preventing local ordinances from blocking their services to authorized customers. The bill defines "energy source" broadly to include alternatives like renewable fuels and hydrogen, while exempting city-owned natural gas utilities and existing propane regulations. This law ensures local governments cannot interfere with how these providers deliver energy services, focusing on removing barriers to diverse energy options.
