By Kimberly Carroll Steward
The Nebraska Legislature has passed the halfway mark of this year’s 90-day session, reaching Day 45 on March 17. This milestone signifies a transition to more intensive legislative activities, with full-day floor debates commencing on March 31 to deliberate on priority bills. A significant focus during this session has been addressing the state's projected budget shortfall of over $432 million for the upcoming fiscal years, with Speaker Arch emphasizing the importance of fiscal responsibility and the need for strategic solutions to navigate this financial challenge.
Previously, NRC highlighted several bills that we found valuable to follow for our work in sustainable materials management.
LB 167 – Introduced by Sen. Stan Clouse, this bill extends the Nebraska Litter Reduction and Recycling Act’s termination date from 2025 to 2030.
LB 167 Passed on final reading with an emergency clause February 21, 2025 and approved by Governor Jim Pillen on February 25, 2025, going into effect immediately. With the enactment of LB167, the Nebraska Litter Reduction and Recycling Act will continue its efforts to manage litter and promote recycling programs across the state for an additional five years!
LB 247 – Introduced by Sen. Barry DeKay, this bill amends the Integrated Solid Waste Management Act.
Passed on Final Reading February 19, 2025 and approve by Governor Pillen the following day. This increase will become operative July 1, 2025. The enactment of LB 247 will continue the enhancement environmental management through increased funding for waste disposal and remediation programs.
Still in progress:
LB 264 – Introduced by Speaker John Arch, on the behalf of Governor, a part of this bill alters the allocation and investment earnings of the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund.
During an Appropriations Committee hearing held on February 18, the bill has elicited varied reactions. Organizations opposition, particularly concerning the reallocation of funds from workforce development initiatives, environmental projects, and the Financial Institutions Assessment Cash Fund. Conversely, supporters argue that reallocation is necessary to address the state's projected budget shortfall of over $432 million for the upcoming fiscal years.
LB 264 remains pending before the Appropriations Committee, awaiting further legislative action.
LB 121 – Introduced by Sen. Brian Hardin, this bill amends the Integrated Solid Waste Management.
A hearing was held before the Natural Resources Committee on January 30.
There have been no further actions or advancements reported regarding LB 121.
LB 163 – Introduced by Sen. Ashlei Spivey, this bill establishes the Office of Climate Action within the Department of Environment and Energy.
A public hearing was conducted by the Natural Resources Committee on January 30th.
During the hearing, proponents argued that establishing the Office of Climate Action would enable Nebraska to better coordinate its climate initiatives and leverage federal funding opportunities. They emphasized the importance of a dedicated office to addressing the state's climate challenges effectively.
No further actions have been recorded regarding LB 163 and the bill awaits advancement from the Natural Resources Committee to the full Legislature for debate.
Read more here.
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