Natural Resources Committee
January 22, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Tom Brandt | Bills Heard: 3 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB20: Agricultural self-generation interconnection standards
Introduced by: Sen. John Cavanaugh | Testimony: 6 proponents, 1 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska advances agricultural renewable energy bill with unanimous committee support. LB20 would allow farmers to install solar, wind, and other renewable systems up to 100 kW on their operations and connect to the grid without net metering requirements, addressing inconsistent rules across the state's public power districts.
Why it matters: Farmers increasingly want to reduce energy costs and improve sustainability, but face a patchwork of interconnection rules. This bill creates uniform standards while protecting utilities' ability to recover costs through demand charges and other fees. The measure could unlock investments in renewable energy on agricultural operations across Nebraska.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "Every once in a while we'll have farmers that want to put up solar rays on their swine facilities, and they're all ready to go with USDA grants, and they get in and go to the public power district and all of a sudden they said, no, you can't do it," Al Juhnke, Nebraska Pork Producers Association. - Rural Electric Association: The bill allows utilities to design rates ensuring they recover costs to serve these customers, avoiding cost-shifting to other ratepayers. - Citizens' Climate Lobby: Supports the bill as addressing Nebraska's need for more energy sources and clean energy goals.
By the numbers: Six proponents testified; one opponent listed (not identified in testimony); bill limits self-generation to 100 kW per property; applies to agriculture as defined in state statute.
What's next: No vote was taken. The bill advanced from the introducer's opening statement through proponent and opponent testimony. Sen. Cavanaugh provided closing remarks clarifying that the bill applies to one property (not per meter), does not override net metering law, and includes methane digesters and biomass in addition to solar and wind.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Tom Brandt, Sen. Stan Clouse, Sen. Barry DeKay, Sen. Jane Raybould Skeptical: Sen. Mike Moser
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB35: Technical modification to renewable energy critical infrastructure requirements
Introduced by: Sen. Tom Brandt | Testimony: 2 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Legislature advances technical fix for renewable energy compliance timing. LB35 adjusts when renewable energy developers must certify compliance with federal critical infrastructure protection standards, allowing certification at commercial operation rather than before construction begins.
Why it matters: Current law requires developers to demonstrate full NERC CIP compliance before construction, which is technically impossible since compliance can only be verified once a facility is operational. This creates an unworkable requirement that could delay renewable energy projects.
What they're saying: - Advanced Power Alliance: "Certain projects can't become into compliance until they're commercially operable," Eric Gerrard, registered lobbyist.
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Brandt waived closing remarks. Two proponents testified online; no opponents. The bill appears positioned for advancement.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Tom Brandt
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB43: Update to foreign adversary equipment restrictions near military installations
Introduced by: Sen. Barry DeKay | Testimony: 2 proponents, 1 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska refines foreign equipment restrictions near military bases, but expansion concerns emerge. LB43 updates last year's security measure by clarifying which military installations are covered, limiting restrictions to electronic components only, and allowing one-time utility certification—but also expands Power Review Board oversight to maintenance and repairs, drawing opposition from the state's largest utility.
Why it matters: LB1370 created confusion and compliance headaches for utilities. The bill's overly broad language captured nuts and bolts, and ambiguous definitions left utilities unsure which facilities were covered. LB43 fixes these problems but raises questions about whether it gives regulators too much authority over routine maintenance.
What they're saying: - Rural Electric Association: "Although that was the case, these metal brackets on the end of these insulators, they're not an issue of national security. But it did keep them from being able to move forward on a project," James Dukesherer, describing insulators with Chinese-sourced brackets. - Power Review Board: "I can't get an answer" on what constitutes a strategic weapon asset, Tim Texel said, explaining months of effort to clarify which utilities are affected. - OPPD: "This is a big leap from what the intent would be for," Seth Voyles testified, warning the maintenance language could set precedent for expanded regulatory authority over tens of thousands of meters.
By the numbers: Restrictions apply to Offutt Air Force Base and missile silos in eight panhandle counties (Banner, Cheyenne, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sioux); foreign adversary list includes China, Iran, Cuba, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela's Maduro regime.
What's next: No vote taken. Two proponents and one opponent testified; one neutral submission received. Amendment AM11 addresses clarifications on electronic-related components and existing facilities.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Barry DeKay, Sen. Stan Clouse, Sen. Mike Moser, Sen. Jana Hughes Skeptical: Sen. Jane Raybould
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee held its first hearing in new Room 1023. Chair Brandt noted the room is well-lit but identified need for a clock and possibly additional microphone. Chair Brandt offered to arrange a training session with Tim Texel of the Power Review Board for five new committee members. Sen. Jana Hughes introduced herself as representing District 24 (Seward, York, Polk, and part of Butler County). Committee used 5-minute light system for all testifiers. Handouts required minimum of 12 copies. Written position comments must be submitted by 8 a.m. on hearing day via nebraskalegislature.gov.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.