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 Note: This bill was amended into LB 36 on June 6, 2025, and is no longer active as a standalone measure.
This bill creates a property tax exemption for Nebraska landowners who place perpetual recreational trail easements on their land. The exemption provides $0.10 per square foot annually for qualifying easements that grant public nonmotorized access (such as walking, hiking, or biking) and connect to existing or planned trails. To qualify, easements must be held by eligible entities like municipalities, accredited land trusts, or specific nonprofits focused on public access and conservation, and landowners must apply through the Department of Revenue with proof of the recorded easement. The bill also updates filing procedures for easement documentation to support this tax program.
Nebraska Legislative Bill 167 extends the termination date of the Nebraska Litter Reduction and Recycling Act from September 30, 2025, to September 30, 2030. This change directly affects the state's litter reduction program and the requirements established under the Act, allowing it to continue operating for five additional years. The bill amends the existing law to require the department to complete a review of the program's effectiveness at least six months before the new termination date, ensuring continued evaluation of its impact. This procedural adjustment maintains the Act's framework without altering its core requirements or creating new obligations.
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.
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.
This bill requires Nebraska electric utilities to provide service to customers who own small on-farm renewable energy systems (≤100 kilowatts) used for agricultural purposes, such as solar or wind installations. It specifically applies to systems that don’t connect to the grid for net metering and must be located on the same property as the farm’s electric account. Utilities must serve these customers but can still require compliance with safety standards, interconnection rules, and standard rates. The bill ensures grid access for qualifying farm systems without altering utility rate structures or creating new financial incentives.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment for Nebraska voters in 2026 to guarantee all people a right to a clean and healthy environment, including clean water, air, and protected ecosystems. It would require the state and local governments to act as trustees, legally responsible for conserving Nebraska's natural resources for current and future generations. If approved, these rights would be directly enforceable without needing new laws. The amendment is currently pending review by the Natural Resources Committee and will go to voters in November 2026.
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 35 amends a regulation governing exemptions for privately developed renewable energy projects in Nebraska. It changes the reference from "7.4" to "791.4" as it existed on January 1, 2025, for facilities like rooftop solar or small wind installations seeking certain regulatory exemptions. This bill directly affects private developers of small-scale renewable energy generation who rely on these exemptions to avoid specific permitting or grid connection requirements. The change is procedural, updating which specific rule applies but not altering the exemption criteria or eligibility itself. The bill remains in the Natural Resources Committee with no further action taken as of the provided date.
LB 590 creates a program allowing Nebraska's Department of Transportation to establish mitigation banks or in-lieu fee programs to offset habitat loss from transportation projects that unintentionally impact threatened or endangered species. It requires the DOT to use this program for compensatory habitat restoration, creation, or preservation when permitted projects affect protected species, and mandates that counties receive tax payments in lieu of lost property taxes for land used in these mitigation efforts. The bill prioritizes this DOT program for state transportation projects and aims to streamline permitting, reduce delays, and ensure habitat gains exceed losses through standardized mitigation ratios. It directly affects the DOT, counties managing land, and developers needing environmental permits for transportation projects.
