January 28, 2012
By Ken Winston, Chapter Policy Advocate

The Legislature is back in session again. I have already appeared at committee hearings on four bills and participated in meetings regarding legislation based on our policies on these issues.

On January 18^th I appeared before the Natural Resources Committee in support of Ken Haar’s LB 713, which would prohibit homeowner’s associations and similar  organizations from preventing homeowners from installing solar panels. This issue came to attention from a situation involving an Omaha resident who put solar panels on his home and got sued by the homeowner’s association, but there are many situations where it could apply. Although the bill is a common-sense approach to dealing with a 21^st century issue, the committee does not appear to be supportive of renewable energy development, or private property rights of homeowners for that matter.

            On January 19^th I testified in support of LB 741, which allows participation in multi state transmission authorities to be considered in transmission decisions by the Power Review Board. Transmission is very important for the development ofNebraska’s renewable energy resources. I testified in a neutral position on LB 742, which was supposed to make it easier for private developers to develop renewable energy, but as drafted, did exactly the opposite. Since the hearing, I organized a meeting with NPPD to talk about amendments to the bill and their stance on developing renewables, particularly the fact that they have publicly stated that they do not intend to develop any more renewable resources until 2017. Although the meeting had some contentious moments, we were able to agree on language that made the bill fall in line with their stated intent. We continue to have concerns about their decision to put renewable development on hold while abundant opportunities exist.

On January 26^th, I testified in support of LB 885, Ken Haar’s bill to require Energy Star rating of State buildings. There was no opposition, but the State has created a $2 million dollar fiscal note, which is problematic for the bill’s chances. I raised questions about the validity of the fiscal note at the hearing, which was echoed by some committee members. There is a meeting scheduled for next week to explore methods of obtaining the information without the cost projected by the fiscal note.

I also put together the list of bills for proposed priority status by the Chapter ExCom.