Protecting Progress: Keeping Nebraska Moving Forward on Clean Energy

This legislative session, Audubon Nice Plains was proud to face up for Nebraska’s clear power future—and for the birds, wildlife, and communities that rely upon it.

We efficiently helped forestall the passage of two payments—LB1026 and LB1027—that may have slowed or halted renewable power growth throughout the state.

LB1026 would have restricted the flexibility to retire or replace older power amenities, even when newer, extra environment friendly applied sciences can be found. That sort of limitation dangers locking Nebraska into outdated programs and prevents funding in cleaner, less expensive power options. At a time when local weather change is already impacting birds by warmth waves, extreme storms, and habitat loss, we want flexibility to undertake higher applied sciences—not limitations to progress.

Equally, LB1027 would have reversed years of progress by reintroducing regulatory hurdles that beforehand discouraged renewable power funding.

Nebraska handed an necessary regulation years in the past that’s obligatory in a public energy state to stage the financial enjoying subject for wind and photo voltaic growth. We’ve got seen that renewable power growth advantages landowners and strengthens rural economies.

On the identical time, we supported LB1186, a forward-looking invoice designed to draw accountable renewable power funding whereas guaranteeing tasks are thoughtfully sited to guard birds and habitats. Whereas the invoice didn’t go this yr, we stay optimistic. With continued collaboration, there’s all the time subsequent yr.

Audubon believes the trail ahead is obvious and that we have to speed up clear power whereas doing it proper, in ways in which keep away from delicate habitats, decrease impacts, and put money into conservation.