State energy plan recommended

LB583, introduced by Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz, would require the state Energy Office to adopt an integrated state energy plan. Schilz said the increase in available forms of renewable energy necessitates a comprehensive plan for the state.

“We need careful planning to make sure we, as a state, are able to take advantage of economic development opportunities,” he said. “A state energy plan will help us set a vision to guide policy for state and local governments.”

The state Energy Office would be required to develop and adopt an integrated state energy plan, including a review of and recommendation for the appropriate roles of state government, policymakers, political subdivisions and private industry in energy planning.

Goals of the state energy plan include:
• ensuring a secure, reliable and stable energy system for residents and businesses in the state;
• maintaining and improving the state’s cost-competitive energy supply and ensuring access to affordable energy;
• promoting sustainable economic growth, job creation and economic development; and
• providing the means for the state’s energy policy to adapt to changing circumstances.

The office could organize an advisory committee of individuals with diverse energy-related interests, including the chairpersons of the Legislature’s Appropriations and Natural Resources committees, as well as three senators selected by the Executive Board to serve as ex officio members.

The state Energy Office would be tasked with analyzing the state’s current utility structure, supply and demand projections, potential partnerships with neighboring states and the impact of federal regulations on fossil fuel emissions.

John Hansen, representing the Nebraska Farmers Union, spoke in favor of the bill, saying that analyzing the state’s energy opportunities is important to the future of the state.

“Nebraska has the third highest wind energy potential in the country,” he said. “If we can get new energy sources harnessed, organized and headed in the right direction, we can turn a lot of the challenges ahead into economic development opportunities.”

Center for Rural Affairs Senior Policy Advocate Johnathan Hladik supported the bill, but said the process it proposes should include more constituent involvement.

“Clean energy investment is already driving economic growth in small towns across the state, creating jobs with salaries that greatly exceed the median income,” Hladik said. “However, as citizens of the nation’s only public power state, the creation of the state energy plan must allow interested parties to receive full information and participate in the process.”

No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no immediate action on it.