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LR 234

Interim study to examine the impact of the net-zero plans and goals of public power utilities

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jared Storm

Interim study to assess how public power utilities' net-zero plans affect Nebraska: rates, costs, reliability, jobs, and local economic impact.

Notice of hearing for September 05, 2025
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Bill Summary · LR 234

LR 234 — Interim study to examine the impact of net-zero plans and goals of public power utilities

Basic bill information

  • Bill Number: LR 234
  • Title: Interim study to examine the impact of the net-zero plans and goals of public power utilities
  • Status: Notice of hearing for September 5, 2025
  • Introduced: May 15, 2025
  • Classification: Legislative Resolution (interim study)

Purpose and intent

LR 234 proposes an interim study to evaluate how net-zero plans and goals adopted by public power utilities affect Nebraska. The study aims to understand multiple dimensions of net-zero initiatives, with particular attention to economic and reliability outcomes.

Key provisions to be studied

The resolution outlines six core areas for evaluation:
1. Impact on customers’ rates
2. True costs associated with net-zero plans and goals
3. State and federal laws/regulations that prompt public power utilities to pursue net-zero strategies
4. Reliability, resiliency, and affordability implications arising from pursuing net-zero plans
5. Employment effects at baseload generation facilities from inception through full implementation
6. Economic impact of closures of baseload generation facilities on local economies where those facilities are located

Scope of the interim study and process

  • Lead committee: Natural Resources Committee is designated to conduct the study.
  • Approach: The committee may confer with state agencies, other standing legislative committees, and relevant stakeholders, including:
    • Public power utilities
    • Southwest Power Pool
    • Economic development community
    • Local municipalities
  • Deliverables: At the conclusion of the study, the committee will prepare and submit a report detailing findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature.

Who is affected

  • Public power utilities and their planning processes
  • Nebraska ratepayers (customers) who may experience changes in rates and bill impacts
  • Employees at baseload generation facilities and related labor markets
  • Local economies that host baseload facilities (impact on employment and economic activity)
  • State agencies and local governments in regulatory and planning roles

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: May 15, 2025
  • Referral history: Referred to Executive Board (May 15, 2025); subsequently referred to Natural Resources Committee (May 19, 2025)
  • Hearing: Notice of hearing published for September 5, 2025 (2025-07-31)
  • Outcome goal: The committee will report findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature after completing the interim study

Sponsorship

  • Primary sponsor: Storm
  • Additional sponsors: Andersen; Armendariz; Brandt; Clements; Clouse; DeKay; Dorn; Dover; Hughes; Ibach; Jacobson; Lippincott; Lonowski; Moser; Murman; Riepe; Sorrentino; Storer; Strommen (and others listed in the official roll)

This LR 234 resolution establishes a focused, time-bound examination of the net-zero goals pursued by public power utilities, with attention to cost, reliability, employment, and local economic effects, and to inform future policy decisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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