Energy

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Jun 6, 2025

LB 43: Change provisions relating to notice and certification requirements for electric generation facilities, transmission lines, and privately developed renewable energy generation facilities located near military installations

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill modifies notice/certification for renewable energy facilities near military sites, harmonizing rules to facilitate development. This supports renewable energy infrastructure by enabling projects near military installations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Jun 6, 2025

LB 36: Adopt the Safe Battery Collection and Recycling Act, provide for the Home Weatherization Clearinghouse and for mitigation of incidental taking of threatened or endangered species habitat, change provisions relating to the Water Recreation Enhancement Act, ground water allocation, and permits and stamps issued by the Game and Parks Commission, and create the Research Excellence Cash Fund

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates Home Weatherization Clearinghouse to support energy efficiency programs, advancing conservation goals without opposing energy policies.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires battery recycling with efficiency targets, creates energy efficiency clearinghouse, and includes habitat mitigation - directly advancing environmental protection and pollution control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Energy Storage Recycling Wildlife

in committee · Nebraska · Legislature Aug 20, 2025

LR 118: Interim study to examine and formulate a standardized method of classifying and valuing property relating to biofuel facilities

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill aims to standardize property valuation for biofuel facilities, reducing financial burdens on producers through uniform tax assessments, aligning with tax relief indicators.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill directs study to standardize tax valuation for biofuel facilities, reducing burdens on renewable energy producers to support industry growth. Biofuels are renewable energy, and the study aims to strengthen this sector through uniform tax prac...85% confidence

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 121: Prohibit land disposal of solar panels and wind turbine blades and the component parts of solar panels and wind turbine blades

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBans landfill disposal of solar/wind components, promoting sustainable end-of-life management for renewable energy infrastructure.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans landfill disposal of solar panels/wind blades to prevent environmental pollution and promote recycling, aligning with waste management regulations for hazardous materials.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Wind Recycling Waste Management

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 129: Prohibit restrictions on the provision of certain energy services

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPrevents local bans on renewable diesel, hydrogen, and EV electricity, enabling broader energy service access without restrictions.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill prohibits local restrictions on fossil fuel energy sources (natural gas) while including renewables, weakening local environmental regulations that could limit polluting energy use.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 163: Create the Office of Climate Action

LB 163 creates a new Office of Climate Action within Nebraska's Department of Environment and Energy. The office will develop a statewide climate action plan by July 2026, focusing on reducing climate change causes and managing climate risks. It must report annually on state climate-related legislation, federal funding secured, technical assistance provided, and collaborations with local governments and climate groups. The office serves as a central resource to support climate initiatives across the state, providing education, technical help, and policy guidance to communities and organizations. This bill directly affects state agencies, local governments, and climate-focused organizations by establishing a dedicated state-level coordination point for climate action efforts.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates Office of Climate Action to develop statewide climate plan focusing on reducing climate change causes, directly advancing renewable energy transition and climate-resilient energy infrastructure goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates dedicated Office of Climate Action to develop climate plan, reduce emissions, and manage climate risks per bill summary, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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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 Apr 17, 2026

LB 117: Provide a sales and use tax exemption for electricity, natural gas, propane, and sewer utilities

LB 117 exempts residential users from Nebraska's sales and use tax on electricity, natural gas, propane, and sewer utilities. It directly affects homeowners and renters in apartments or commercial properties primarily used as residences, where utilities are billed separately from rent. The bill amends tax code section 77-2704.13 to exclude these utility services from taxation when used for qualifying residential purposes. The exemption takes effect January 1, 2026, and repeals the previous tax treatment for these utilities. This is a direct tax policy change for residential utility consumers, not a procedural measure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts residential utilities from sales tax, providing direct tax relief to homeowners/renters, aligning with middle-income tax relief indicators.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExempts residential utilities from sales tax, lowering consumer costs (protects utility consumers)85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts residential utility taxes (electricity, gas, etc.), directly reducing housing costs for homeowners and renters, aligning with affordable housing goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Sales Tax Tax Incentives Oil & Gas Renters

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 503: Authorize the designation of American energy friendly counties and change provisions relating to privately developed renewable energy generation facilities and the nameplate capacity tax

Nebraska's LB 503 creates a program allowing counties to become "American energy friendly counties" to earn additional tax revenue from privately owned renewable energy facilities (like solar and wind installations). To qualify, counties must relax zoning rules - permitting renewable projects by right without discretionary approvals, setting noise limits at 50 decibels, and limiting setbacks (e.g., 300 feet for solar). The Department of Revenue will track designated counties and the annual tax revenue generated from these facilities. This policy directly affects county governments (through new revenue options) and renewable energy developers (by standardizing local permitting requirements).

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates new tax revenue stream for counties via renewable energy projects, directly advancing fiscal management through increased tax collection from designated 'American energy friendly counties'.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill removes zoning barriers for solar/wind projects, designates 'energy friendly' counties, and incentivizes renewable development via tax revenue, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes renewable energy by easing zoning for solar/wind projects, facilitating clean energy adoption and reducing emissions through tax incentives.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyPromotes renewable energy technology deployment by easing zoning barriers for solar/wind projects, directly advancing clean tech infrastructure adoption.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Renewable Energy Solar

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 137: Prohibit certain restrictions on solar energy devices and pollinator gardens and provide a cause of action

LB 137 prohibits homeowners associations (HOAs) from banning or restricting the installation of solar energy systems, solar collectors, or pollinator gardens in residential properties. It voids any existing HOA rules that conflict with this prohibition and bans HOAs from charging fees for these installations. Homeowners can legally sue an HOA or similar group for violating this law. The bill specifically defines "pollinator gardens" as spaces supporting bees and butterflies with food/water and references existing solar energy definitions. This directly affects HOAs and homeowners in Nebraska who face restrictions on solar or pollinator garden projects.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProhibits HOA restrictions on solar installations, removing barriers to renewable energy adoption and directly advancing clean energy deployment in residential settings.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits HOA bans on solar energy systems and pollinator gardens, directly advancing clean energy adoption and ecosystem conservation per bill's core provisions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar

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