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LB 317

Merge the Department of Natural Resources with the Department of Environment and Energy and change the name to the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment, create the position of Chief Water Officer, and provide, change, and eliminate powers and duties relating to water, conservation, state game refuges, and low-level radioactive waste disposal

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tom Brandt

LB 317 merges Nebraska's natural resources and environment agencies, creating a new Department of Water, Energy, and Environment with expanded powers over the state's water, energy, and environmental oversight.

Approved by Governor on May 6, 2025
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Bill Summary · LB 317

Summary of Nebraska LB 317

Bill Overview

LB 317 merges the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environment and Energy into a new Department of Water, Energy, and Environment. The bill also creates a new position of Chief Water Officer within the department.

Key Provisions

  • Departmental Merger: LB 317 consolidates the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environment and Energy into a single new agency called the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment.
  • Chief Water Officer: The bill establishes the position of Chief Water Officer, who will be appointed by the Governor and serve as the head of the department's water-related functions.
  • Water Management Powers: The new department is granted expanded powers and duties related to water resources management, including surface water, groundwater, and water quality. This includes the ability to establish water usage fees and permits.
  • Energy and Environmental Oversight: The department retains the environmental protection and energy development responsibilities previously handled by the separate agencies.
  • State Game Refuges: Authority over the designation and management of state game refuges is transferred from the Game and Parks Commission to the new department.
  • Low-Level Radioactive Waste: Oversight of low-level radioactive waste disposal is consolidated under the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment.

Impacts

  • Streamlined Water Management: By merging water-related functions into a single agency, the state aims to improve coordination and efficiency in managing Nebraska's water resources.
  • Strengthened Environmental Oversight: Consolidating environmental protection and energy development under one department is intended to provide more cohesive regulation and policy-making in these areas.
  • Shift in Wildlife Management: The transfer of state game refuge authority represents a shift in how Nebraska's wildlife habitats are overseen and protected.
  • Changes for Regulated Entities: Businesses, agricultural operations, and other entities that interact with the state's water, energy, or environmental regulations will need to adapt to the new department's processes and requirements.

Timeline

LB 317 was approved by the Governor on May 6, 2025 and the new Department of Water, Energy, and Environment is scheduled to be operational by January 1, 2026.

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

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