Natural Resources Committee
January 30, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Tom Brandt | Bills Heard: 2 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB121: Ban on land disposal of solar panels and wind turbine blades
Introduced by: Sen. Brian Hardin | Testimony: 0 proponents, 2 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. Hardin's bill would ban burying wind turbine blades and solar panels in Nebraska landfills, citing threats to the Ogallala Aquifer. The measure reflects growing concern about the disposal crisis facing renewable energy infrastructure as federal subsidies decline and decommissioning accelerates.
Why it matters: Nebraska sits atop the Ogallala Aquifer, which supplies eight states. Composite materials in turbine blades take centuries to decompose and could leach contaminants into groundwater. But the bill also signals a potential shift in state policy toward renewable energy as the Trump administration signals subsidy cuts.
What they're saying: - Hardin: "We're doing this for green purposes. And yet at the end of the day, we're ending up with something that nobody wants and it's really large." - Hansen (Farmers Union): Emerging recycling companies like Advanced 4 Solutions and Carbon Rivers G2G are processing blades responsibly; LES successfully recycled turbine blades through cement manufacturing with minimal landfill residue. - McDonald (GC ReVolt): The bill creates "unnecessary government overreach" and should encourage recycling incentives rather than blanket bans.
By the numbers: 18 letters of support (mostly from western Nebraska), 7 letters of opposition (mostly from Lincoln and Omaha).
What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Hardin waived closing and did not remain for testimony. The bill faces skepticism from committee members concerned about rural economic development and the viability of emerging recycling technologies.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Moser Skeptical: Sen. Hughes, Sen. Raybould Unclear: Sen. Juarez
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB163: Establishment of Nebraska Climate Action Office
Introduced by: Sen. Ashlei Spivey | Testimony: 4 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. Spivey's bill would create a Climate Action Office to coordinate Nebraska's response to climate change and capture federal funding, but faces pushback over cost and bureaucracy. The measure builds on a Priority Climate Action Plan that NDEE already developed, and proponents argue it's essential to leverage billions in available federal dollars.
Why it matters: Nebraska secured a $307 million EPA grant in July 2024—the largest agriculture-based federal award in EPA history—but lacks dedicated staff to implement it. Twenty-six states have climate offices; those with them have collectively secured billions through the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Climate change directly threatens Nebraska's agriculture-dependent economy through extreme weather, droughts, and heat waves.
What they're saying: - Spivey: "This bill is not because I'm saying they're not doing it. I think they're doing a great job. My hope is that this puts further intention and support behind the great efforts and leadership that they already have." - Hansen (Farmers Union): Farmers Mutual, Nebraska's largest farm insurer, faced a $125 million underwriting loss in 2022 versus its previous record loss of $25 million in 131 years. Dedicated coordination of federal disaster relief and mitigation funding is essential. - Perales (UNL student): "Young people are leaving because our voices aren't being heard and our values aren't aligned with the state. If I want to stay in Nebraska where my family is, I need those jobs and I need those opportunities."
By the numbers: 121 written comments submitted: 57 proponents, 64 opponents. Fiscal note: $710,000 for three positions.
What's next: No vote was taken. Spivey indicated openness to amending the bill to establish the office as a program within NDEE using existing staff rather than creating new positions, addressing concerns from Sens. Hughes and Moser about bureaucratic expansion.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Raybould Skeptical: Sen. Moser, Sen. Hughes Unclear: Sen. DeKay, Sen. Juarez
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee Chair Brandt opened the hearing with procedural instructions regarding testifier sheets, time limits (either 5-minute or 3-minute lights depending on testifier count), and written position submission deadlines. Committee members introduced themselves: Sen. Jana Hughes (District 24), Sen. Barry DeKay (District 40), Sen. Mike Moser (District 22), Sen. Jane Raybould (District 28), and Sen. Margo Juarez (District 5). Legal counsel Cyndi Lamm and committee clerk Sally Schultz assisted. Pages were Emma Jones and Kathryn (both UNL students). The committee heard two bills: LB121 and LB163. No votes were taken on either bill during the hearing.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.