Despite lacking state incentives for renewable energy, Nebraska’s historic reliance on coal-fired power plants is beginning to give way to a rise in wind energy, but the transition has not proceeded quickly. Analysis of more than 5,000 lobbying records reveals that Nebraska’s utilities, unique in being entirely consumer-owned, are highly active at the legislature. Though the three largest utilities have all pledged net-zero emissions by 2050, their continued use of coal-fired electricity and support for carbon capture legislation has at times put them in conflict with environmental groups. The state’s large agriculture sector, which primarily lobbies in support of energy bills related to ethanol, also generally supports carbon capture. However, the topic of carbon pipelines has caused division within the coalition. The ImagiNE Nebraska Act provided financial support for developers of wind energy but was opposed by agricultural groups and some progressive nonprofits.
The report’s major findings include:
Nebraska is beginning to transition from coal to wind energy
Utilities are highly active at the state legislature
Utilities are reliant on coal and lack incentives for wind development
Carbon capture is supported by utilities and some agricultural groups
Renewable energy companies supported the ImagiNE Nebraska Act in order to use tax incentives for renewable development.
Most active organizations lobbying on climate and clean energy bills
Relationships between lobbying coalitions
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