Natural Resources Committee
February 20, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Tom Brandt | Bills Heard: 2 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB562: Updates to park permits, wildlife management, and conservation statutes
Introduced by: Sen. Tom Brandt | Testimony: 1 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Game and Parks seeks first fee increase since 2016 to cover 17% cost surge. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is asking lawmakers to raise the statutory caps on park permits and invasive species stamps—not to impose immediate increases, but to give the agency flexibility to adjust fees through the normal regulatory process as costs continue climbing. The annual resident park permit cap would rise from $35 to $50; the daily cap from $7 to $10. The nonresident aquatic invasive species stamp would jump from $15 to $30.
Why it matters: Game and Parks is largely self-funded through permit fees, and personnel and operating costs have jumped 17% over five years. Without higher caps, the agency says it will struggle to maintain Nebraska's 79 park areas and conservation programs. But the fee increases worry some senators concerned about impacts on working families and seniors.
What they're saying: - Director Timothy McCoy: "We've seen a 17% increase in both personnel costs and operating costs" over five years, driven largely by salary increases needed to retain and recruit staff. Any actual fee increase would be phased in gradually and require public hearings. - Sen. Danielle Conrad: "I do worry about increasing the fees and the impact that that has on everyday working families and seniors living on fixed incomes." She noted that Iowa and Missouri offer free resident park access through dedicated sales tax funding. - Sen. Mike Hughes: Nebraska's proposed fees remain "on the lower, lower end" compared to neighboring states. A $35 permit from 2016 would be worth $45.39 today, so the $50 cap is reasonable.
By the numbers: Game and Parks has experienced $5.91 million in increased park operating costs over five years. A 2024 fee increase generated $1.4 million. Federal law requires nonresident fees stay at twice the resident rate to maintain access to Land and Water Conservation Funds.
What's next: No vote was taken. The bill remains in committee.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Stan Clouse, Sen. Jane Raybould, Sen. Mike Hughes Unclear: Sen. Barry DeKay
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB409: Requires one Nebraska Power Review Board member to be a licensed journeyman electrician
Introduced by: Sen. John Cavanaugh | Testimony: 1 proponents, 0 opponents, 2 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Senator Cavanaugh pushes to add worker voice to power board over industry objections. Sen. John Cavanaugh is seeking to require one member of the Nebraska Power Review Board to be a licensed journeyman electrician, arguing the board needs worker perspective now that it has responsibility to review power plant decommissioning plans. The bill stems from last year's LB1370, which tasked the board with advising utilities on worker transition when facilities close. Cavanaugh says someone who actually works in the industry should be in the room when those decisions are made.
Why it matters: Power plant closures are rare but consequential for workers. Fort Calhoun's decommissioning sparked complaints that workers weren't treated fairly. While the Power Review Board's role is advisory only, Cavanaugh argues it should include someone who can credibly evaluate whether utilities' worker transition plans are adequate.
What they're saying: - Sen. Cavanaugh: "We gave this requirement to the board...someone who's going to be able to call out the fact that they are deficient in how they're going to deal with their workers." The board currently has three laypeople with no specific qualifications; designating one as a journeyman electrician adds relevant expertise. - Shelley Sahling-Zart, Nebraska Power Association: The board operates in a quasi-judicial capacity and should maintain neutrality. "We just don't see the connection between having a journeyman electrician on the Power Review Board based on the scope of jurisdiction and responsibility of the board." Decommissioning is a 40-to-60-year event, not a core board function. - Tim Texel, Power Review Board: Raised technical concerns about whether the governor must select from labor's list or can reject it. Worried that a journeyman electrician might feel underutilized, like the accountant position that was removed from the board.
By the numbers: The board currently has five members: two attorneys, one mechanical engineer, one electrical engineer, and one layperson. Decommissioning of major power plants occurs roughly once every 40-60 years.
What's next: No vote was taken. Cavanaugh indicated openness to amendments, including possibly expanding the requirement beyond electricians or increasing board size rather than replacing a layperson.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Danielle Conrad Skeptical: Sen. Jane Raybould, Sen. Mike Moser, Sen. Mike Hughes Opposed: Sen. Stan Clouse Unclear: Sen. Barry DeKay, Sen. Margo Juarez
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
The committee also heard two gubernatorial appointments: Chuck Hutchison for reappointment to the Nebraska Power Review Board (no vote taken; hearing closed with no proponents, opponents, or neutral testifiers) and Matt Smallcomb for new appointment to the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission (no vote taken; hearing closed with no proponents, opponents, or neutral testifiers). Committee Chair Brandt announced an executive session would follow the hearings.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.