Natural resources omnibus bill amended, advanced

A bill containing several natural resources-related proposals advanced to the final round of debate March 15 after lawmakers amended it to include a measure that would prohibit Nebraska communities from banning natural gas service.

LB867, as introduced by Sen. Bruce Bostelman of Brainard, would allow the state Game and Parks Commission to create an online hunting and fishing guide and outfitter database. The provisions of five other bills heard by the committee this session were included on general file.

Thurston Sen. Joni Albrecht introduced an amendment on select file to include provisions of her LB636, which would prohibit political subdivisions from enacting any ordinance or other policy that restricts or prohibits the types or fuel sources of energy that natural gas utilities, natural gas transmission companies and certain other entities may use or deliver to customers.

Albrecht said she introduced the bill on behalf of Black Hills Energy.

“Bans can cost jobs in the [industries that] rely on affordable energy — like agriculture — can hurt a community’s competitiveness and negatively impact the economy,” she said.

After adopting the amendment on a vote of 32-0, senators advanced LB867 to final reading by voice vote.