Natural resources, environmental agency merger approved

A proposal to combine two state agencies tasked with managing Nebraska’s water resources received final approval from lawmakers May 1.

LB317, introduced by Plymouth Sen. Tom Brandt at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen, merges the state Department of Natural Resources with the state Department of Environment and Energy, which will be renamed the Department of Water, Energy and Environment. The agencies will merge July 1.

The director of the Department of Environment and Energy will lead the new agency. The Department of Natural Resources director will become the Chief Water Officer, who will head the new Division of Water and report directly to the DWEE director.

The Chief Water Officer will be appointed by the governor and subject to confirmation by the Legislature.

LB317 passed on a vote of 34-12 and takes effect immediately.