Protecting Progress: Keeping Nebraska Moving Forward on Clean Energy

This legislative session, Audubon Great Plains was proud to stand up for Nebraska’s clean energy future—and for the birds, wildlife, and communities that depend on it.

We successfully helped prevent the passage of two bills—LB1026 and LB1027—that would have slowed or halted renewable energy development across the state.

LB1026 would have restricted the ability to retire or update older energy facilities, even when newer, more efficient technologies are available. That kind of limitation risks locking Nebraska into outdated systems and prevents investment in cleaner, more cost-effective energy solutions. At a time when climate change is already impacting birds through heat waves, severe storms, and habitat loss, we need flexibility to adopt better technologies—not barriers to progress.

Similarly, LB1027 would have reversed years of progress by reintroducing regulatory hurdles that previously discouraged renewable energy investment.

Nebraska passed an important regulation years ago that is necessary in a public power state to level the economic playing field for wind and solar development. We have seen that renewable energy development benefits landowners and strengthens rural economies.

At the same time, we supported LB1186, a forward-looking bill designed to attract responsible renewable energy investment while ensuring projects are thoughtfully sited to protect birds and habitats. While the bill did not pass this year, we remain optimistic. With continued collaboration, there is always next year.

Audubon believes the path forward is clear and that we need to accelerate clean energy while doing it right, in ways that avoid sensitive habitats, minimize impacts, and invest in conservation.