Over the past several years, Nebraska’s leadership has helped put our state on the map for energy production. Today, more than a third of our electricity comes from renewable energy sources, which Nebraska has in great abundance, and we are reaping significant economic benefits as a result. Unfortunately, an ill-conceived policy change — in the form of Legislative Bill 399 — would add unnecessary government intervention into the renewable energy development process, jeopardizing our forward energy progress and the economic and social benefits that come with it

In 2016, the Nebraska Legislature passed a bill that created a streamlined process for private investment in clean power projects, unlocking investment dollars, hundreds of local jobs, increased landowner income, tax relief and more. This landmark legislation sparked an influx of development around the state, helping Nebraska reach its current 3,564 MW of operating clean energy and its 2,300-strong clean power workforce.

Privately developed renewable energy is now the cheapest form of electricity for ratepayers, but the passage of LB 399 would turn this process on its head, potentially making the cheapest energy the most expensive.

Renewable energy helps keep Nebraska competitive with its Midwest and Great Plains neighbors and nationally in the export market. Nebraska farmers have the right to use their land and distribute their production as they wish, rightfully keeping the power in the hands of the landowner. We do not tell corn growers that they must sell their product solely within the state’s borders, yet LB 399 could do just that by placing additional restrictions and state oversight on how power is generated, how it can be sold and what landowners can or cannot do with the renewable energy on their property.

Our ag producers help to fuel and feed the world. More and more Nebraska farmers are choosing to diversify their operations by harvesting the wind or sun alongside corn, soybeans, and livestock. This choice provides farmers in the state with $17 million annually in land lease payments, providing an added level of financial security for their businesses and families. Moreover, another $14 million is paid in taxes to the local counties and school districts, benefiting everyone in the community.

LB 399 would put this opportunity for farmers and communities at risk, leaving farmers’ income volatile in the wake of market changes and unpredictable weather while the new energy tax revenues that are helping lower property tax burdens on individuals could be impacted. In a state where agriculture contributes so much to the economy, it begs the question as to why the Legislature would enact bureaucratic legislation that would threaten promising opportunities for farmers and landowners to thrive.

Another important consideration: Nebraska’s ethanol plants wanting to expand into high value products such as sustainable aviation fuel will also depend on affordable access to renewable energy. Other future opportunities, such as Nebraska livestock feeders capturing and using methane for energy, might also be limited by LB 399.

While not everyone agrees as to all facets of wind and solar and renewable energy — and no energy generation is consequence-free — the fact remains that renewable energy continues to attract and spur new economic activity in both rural and urban regions of our state. That has meant new jobs, new farm income and new tax revenues — with more to come.  Now is no time to use government overreach to pump the brakes and discourage business investment. LB 399 is simply more needless regulation, and it’s bad for business and agriculture in Nebraska.

This story was published by Nebraska Examiner, an editorially independent newsroom providing a hard-hitting, daily flow of news. Read the original article: https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/02/more-regulation-at-just-the-wron...

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