Natural Resources Committee
February 27, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Tom Brandt | Bills Heard: 2 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB607: Comprehensive Recycling Act
Introduced by: Sen. Eliot Bostar | Testimony: 22 proponents, 5 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska advances comprehensive recycling bill despite significant stakeholder divisions. LB607 would establish regulatory frameworks for innovative plastic recycling technologies, create a battery stewardship program, raise solid waste disposal fees from $1.25 to $4.25 per ton by 2028, and mandate minimum recycled content in products. The bill addresses Nebraska's status as one of the nation's worst recycling states.
Why it matters: Nebraska ranks among the lowest in the nation for recycling rates. The bill could attract manufacturing investment, create jobs, and divert millions of tons from landfills—but faces opposition from retailers, beverage makers, and packaging manufacturers over unfunded mandates and recycled content requirements.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "25 other states have already passed similar legislation," said Marcus Branstad of the American Chemistry Council. Chemical recycling facilities would be "strictly regulated" under federal Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. Dale Gubbels of Firstar Fiber, Nebraska's largest recycling center, called it "a good bill to start with." - Opponents: The EPR data collection is "an unfunded mandate" and "redundant" with an ongoing state waste characterization study, said Blair MacDonald of the Nebraska Beverage Association. Andrew Hackman of AMERIPEN argued the bill's EPR section is "not EPR" and suggested a needs assessment approach instead. Retailers warned battery stewardship programs lack implementation models.
By the numbers: 22 online proponents, 5 opponents, 0 neutral. Camp Augustine purchased for $2 million. Chemical recycling facilities process nearly 1 billion pounds of plastic annually across 12 U.S. facilities.
What's next: No vote taken. Sen. Bostar acknowledged "a lot of amendments" are being worked on and said he's "still receiving a lot of feedback and requests to make revisions." He indicated he would return with amendment language before the committee votes.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Jana Hughes, Sen. Margo Juarez Skeptical: Sen. Jane Raybould, Sen. Barry DeKay, Sen. Mike Moser Unclear: Sen. Stan Clouse
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LR17: Camp Augustine State Park Feasibility Study
Introduced by: Sen. Dan Quick | Testimony: 1 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska Game and Parks seeks permission to explore Camp Augustine state park partnership. LR17 would authorize the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to begin negotiations with the city of Grand Island regarding incorporation of Camp Augustine—a 156-acre former Boy Scout camp purchased for approximately $2 million—into the state park system, potentially combined with adjacent Mormon Island State Recreation Area.
Why it matters: South central Nebraska lacks major state park infrastructure. A combined 550-acre park with 3 miles of Platte River frontage could boost regional tourism, provide recreation opportunities during state fair season and crane migration, and serve the Tri-Cities area without requiring travel to other regions.
What they're saying: - Proponent: Brad Mellema of Grand Island Tourism Bureau called it "a great opportunity for central Nebraska" and noted the combined property would offer canoeing, kayaking, camping, and outdoor naturalist programs. Game and Parks Director Timothy McCoy said the project "would be revenue-positive" through Parks cash, not general funds. - Neutral: McCoy explained the statute requires legislative permission before discussing acquisition with local government. He noted multiple possible arrangements—lease, management agreement, gift, or sale—and said the city's initial design plan estimated $45 million for full build-out, though Game and Parks would likely phase development.
By the numbers: 1 online proponent, 0 opponents, 1 neutral. Camp Augustine: 156 acres, $2 million purchase price. Combined potential park: 550 acres, 3 miles of riverfront. Estimated full development: $45 million.
What's next: No vote taken. LR17 is a resolution approving intent only. If approved, Game and Parks and Grand Island would begin formal discussions. Any actual acquisition or management agreement would require separate legislative approval.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Barry DeKay, Sen. Mike Moser, Sen. Stan Clouse, Sen. Tom Brandt Unclear: Sen. Margo Juarez
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
Committee Chair Sen. Tom Brandt opened with announcement from Sen. Jane Raybould regarding Capitol building being lit in orange tonight in honor of Genoa Indian School and children who never came home. Committee procedures explained including five-minute light system for testifiers, written position letter deadline of 8 a.m. day of hearing via Legislature website, and prohibition on verbal outbursts or applause. Committee members introduced: Stan Clouse (District 37), Danielle Conrad (Lincoln), Jana Hughes (District 24), Barry DeKay (District 40), Mike Moser (Platte County), Jane Raybould (District 28), Margo Juarez (District 5). Legal counsel: Cyndi Lamm. Committee clerk: Sally Schultz. Page: Kathryn (UNL junior, environmental studies). Hearing concluded with executive session scheduled.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.