Hydrogen hub funding, design-build authorization approved

Lawmakers approved a bill May 23 intended to support Nebraska’s efforts to be selected as a regional clean hydrogen hub by the U.S. Department of Energy.

LB565, introduced by Brainard Sen. Bruce Bostelman, states legislative intent to appropriate $500,000 over the next two fiscal years to the state Department of Economic Development for grants that will be used for engineering and modeling needed to apply for the H2Hubs program, which is intended to accelerate the use of hydrogen as a clean energy source.

Senators amended the bill on select file to add provisions of several other measures considered by the Natural Resources Committee this session, including LB723, sponsored by Bostelman at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen.

The measure allows the state Department of Natural Resources to use public-private partnerships and design-build, progressive design-build and construction manager-general contractor project methods when contracting for public surface water or groundwater-related infrastructure projects.

LB565 passed on a vote of 41-0 and takes effect immediately.