Natural Resources Committee
March 6, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Tom Brandt | Bills Heard: 3 | Full Transcript (PDF)
Appointment: Appointment of Steven F. Mattoon to Nebraska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
Introduced by: Sen. N/A | Testimony: 0 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Mattoon appointed to Oil and Gas Commission. Steven F. Mattoon, a Sydney-based attorney with decades of experience in petroleum law, was presented for appointment to the Nebraska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Mattoon, whose law firm helped draft Nebraska's Oil and Gas Conservation Act in the 1950s, has represented major oil companies and independent operators on matters ranging from well pooling to saltwater disposal. He fills the vacancy created when former Senator Paul Strommen entered the Legislature. Why it matters: The Commission oversees oil and gas development across Nebraska's Panhandle and southwestern region, where production has occurred since 1922. Mattoon's appointment ensures the Commission maintains expertise in the complex legal and technical issues governing the state's oil and gas industry. What they're saying: Sen. Conrad praised Mattoon's leadership on access-to-justice initiatives as Bar Association president. Committee members asked about abandoned well plugging, with Mattoon noting that federal grants have funded plugging of approximately 100 abandoned wells, though future funding remains uncertain. What's next: No vote was taken during the hearing; the appointment was presented for committee consideration.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Tom Brandt, Sen. Barry DeKay, Sen. Mike Moser
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB349: Electric Energy Storage Resources - Regulatory Framework
Introduced by: Sen. Jason Prokop | Testimony: 3 proponents, 2 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Prokop's battery storage bill draws fire from public power utilities. LB349 would codify regulatory authority for private and public investment in electric energy storage resources (ESRs), but the bill faces strong opposition from Nebraska's public power entities, who argue it goes too far and is premature. Why it matters: Energy storage is critical infrastructure as Nebraska pursues economic development in high-demand sectors like semiconductors and data centers. But the bill pits private developers seeking market opportunities against public power utilities concerned about losing control of the state's transmission system and ratepayer protections. What they're saying: Proponents cite Texas's success: over 10,000 megawatts deployed with zero state subsidies and $750 million in ratepayer savings. Eolian, the private developer behind the bill, says it needs regulatory certainty to finance projects. Opponents counter that private entities can already build storage under existing law, that the bill removes Power Review Board oversight, and that 1,900 megawatts of storage already in the SPP queue shows the market is moving without new legislation. OPPD and NPPD argue the bill is inconsistent with Nebraska's public power model and that SPP hasn't yet developed adequate procedures for studying battery storage impacts. By the numbers: A 200 megawatt ESR requires $327 million in private investment and generates $600,000 annually in local tax revenue. Battery storage operates at 85% efficiency and typically lasts 20-25 years. What's next: No vote was taken. Sen. Prokop said he's willing to work with the Power Review Board and public power utilities on amendments.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. Jana Hughes, Sen. Barry DeKay, Sen. Mike Moser Unclear: Sen. Stan Clouse, Sen. Margo Juarez
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB595: Research Excellence Cash Fund
Introduced by: Sen. Jason Prokop | Testimony: 21 proponents, 0 opponents, 3 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Prokop advances research fund focused on weather data network. LB595 creates a Research Excellence Cash Fund administered by the University of Nebraska, with the primary focus on supporting the Nebraska Mesonet System—a network of 74 weather stations providing critical data across the state. The bill drew overwhelming support from agricultural, water management, and public safety stakeholders. Why it matters: The Mesonet generates an estimated 100-to-1 return on investment for crop farmers alone, according to testimony. The system is essential for irrigation efficiency, wildfire detection, flood forecasting, and water management. But the current network is incomplete: some areas lack any nearby station, and the Lower Loupe Natural Resources District covers 1.2 million irrigated acres with only two stations 50 miles apart. What they're saying: Proponents emphasized that Oklahoma's superior mesonet—120 stations across 77 counties versus Nebraska's 74 across 93—demonstrates the competitive disadvantage of underinvestment. The Forest Service highlighted the system's role in early wildfire detection using AI and high-resolution cameras. Resource districts stressed the importance for irrigation management and water conservation. The university testified in neutral capacity, noting that federal research funding is uncertain and state support may become critical. By the numbers: 21 online proponents, zero opponents. Current system has 74 stations; goal is one within 12-15 miles of every location. Sensors require replacement every 10-12 years. NOAA provides $2,500 per station annually. What's next: No vote was taken. Prokop acknowledged the tight budget climate and said the bill creates a mechanism to fund the Mesonet when fiscal conditions improve. Sen. Brandt asked for information on sensor sourcing, particularly regarding proximity to military installations.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Barry DeKay, Sen. Tom Brandt, Sen. Danielle Conrad, Sen. Danielle Raybould Skeptical: Sen. Jana Hughes Unclear: Sen. Margo Juarez
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
The committee heard three items: an appointment, LB349, and LB595. The hearing was conducted in the order posted. For LB595, the committee took testimony out of order, hearing neutral testimony first to accommodate a testifier who needed to travel across the state. The committee took a five-minute break between LB349 and LB595. No votes were taken on any bills during the hearing. The committee indicated it would conduct an executive session after the hearing concluded.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.