This legislative session, Audubon Nice Plains was proud to face up for Nebraska’s clear vitality future—and for the birds, wildlife, and communities that rely on it.
We efficiently helped forestall the passage of two payments—LB1026 and LB1027—that might have slowed or halted renewable vitality growth throughout the state.
LB1026 would have restricted the flexibility to retire or replace older vitality amenities, even when newer, extra environment friendly applied sciences can be found. That form of limitation dangers locking Nebraska into outdated programs and prevents funding in cleaner, less expensive vitality options. At a time when local weather change is already impacting birds by way of warmth waves, extreme storms, and habitat loss, we’d like flexibility to undertake higher applied sciences—not boundaries to progress.
Equally, LB1027 would have reversed years of progress by reintroducing regulatory hurdles that beforehand discouraged renewable vitality funding.
Nebraska handed an vital regulation years in the past that’s essential in a public energy state to degree the financial taking part in discipline for wind and photo voltaic growth. We’ve seen that renewable vitality growth advantages landowners and strengthens rural economies.
On the similar time, we supported LB1186, a forward-looking invoice designed to draw accountable renewable vitality 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 may be at all times subsequent yr.
Audubon believes the trail ahead is evident and that we have to speed up clear vitality whereas doing it proper, in ways in which keep away from delicate habitats, decrease impacts, and put money into conservation.
