Sierra Club 2010 Legislative Update #1
The 2010 legislative session is underway. I am excited about the opportunities we have this session. The Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, Senator Chris Langemeier, has stated that legislation to promote wind development is the top priority for his committee. I have been invited to participate in a group that is drafting legislation intended to support this goal. The Nebraska Sierra Club has two priorities regarding wind development legislation: First, standards to protect the environment in the siting process; and second, making sure that the economic benefits of wind generation flow to Nebraska residents. I am working on these issues in the drafting process and have received assurances that they will be addressed from members of the Natural Resources Committee.
This wind development legislation began with efforts by Senator Ken Haar in last year’s legislative session, which later became the subject of an interim study, LR 83, which gathered information during last summer and fall. We have been working to support wind development for years, so it is exciting to see the number of organizations that are now supporting wind development. However, we need to make sure that wind development is done correctly, so that birds, animals and habitat are protected and Nebraskans receive the benefits of this development.
Legislation to support energy efficiency is our other top priority. Senator Haar is working on several ideas to promote energy efficiency. Senator Heath Mello from Omaha also is working on several pieces of legislation intended to support energy efficiency that he intends to introduce this session. I am working with both Senator Haar and Senator Mello in their efforts in this area. Senator Gwen Howard has introduced LB 845, which would require energy conservation efforts by state agencies.
There are several other areas where I expect to be involved this session. We have been working for several years to protect the Niobrara River. There are two bills that we oppose that are still in the Natural Resources Committee from last year. LB 666 would make major changes to the Niobrara Council and LB 438 would prevent the use of instream flow protection on rivers like the Niobrara. We will continue to work in opposition to these bills, as well as keeping our eyes open for any new legislation that may have an impact on the Niobrara.
I also expect to be working on issues related to trails. Last session LB 134 would have prohibited the use of eminent domain for trail purposes. Although that bill was killed by agreement of all interested parties, I expect that issues related to trails will surface again this session.
Finally, I expect that if legislation is introduced related to confined animal feeding operations, recycling or organic agriculture, it will be necessary for the Sierra Club to get involved. And as always, I need to emphasize the importance of our members getting involved in the legislative process, because legislators generally care a lot more about constituent contact than messages from lobbyists.
– Ken Winston, Lobbyist