Senators gave first-round approval April 20 to a bill that would allow the state to develop an independent energy plan.<\/p>\n
LB469, introduced by Papillion Sen. Jim Smith, would direct the State Energy Office to assess any state energy plan before submitting the plan to the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for review. Smith said that the EPA has proposed a \u201cone-size-fits-all\u201d plan to reduce carbon emissions that is unworkable in a coal state like Nebraska.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis assessment will provide us information that will be valuable as we move forward in developing a comprehensive energy plan for the state,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is not intended to hamper the state Department of Environmental Quality\u2019s ability to comply with federal mandates, but to provide the Legislature and public with information and transparency.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smith said that citizens have a right to know how the EPA\u2019s proposal would impact the state and to look for alternatives.<\/p>\n
Under the bill, the energy office would prepare a report analyzing the proposed state energy plan\u2019s effects on employment within the state and the electric power sector, including the potential impact on:
\n\u2022 the type and amount of electric generating capacity that is likely to retire or switch to another fuel;
\n\u2022 the stranded investment in electric generating capacity;
\n\u2022 the amount of investment necessary to offset the retirement of electric generating capacity;
\n\u2022 the potential risks to electric reliability; and
\n\u2022 the amount by which retail electricity prices are forecast to increase or decrease.<\/p>\n
A Natural Resources Committee amendment, adopted 41-0, incorporated provisions of LB583, originally introduced by Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz.<\/p>\n
The amendment specified the areas of analysis for a state energy plan, which would be developed by the State Energy Office. The plan would focus on strategies to develop a cost-competitive energy supply, access to affordable energy, sustainable economic growth and job creation.<\/p>\n
Schilz said that a plan created at the local level would help ensure Nebraska\u2019s adaptability to changing circumstances.<\/p>\n
\u201cA state energy plan developed under the guidance of the State Energy Office and with the cooperation of public power entities will help to set a vision to guide policy for state and local governments,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Omaha Sen. Brett Lindstrom supported the bill, saying it would provide the state with needed flexibility.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to be able to create a plan that shows we\u2019re doing what we can to meet carbon emission standards, but to also show the EPA that we are unique [as a public power state] and cannot conform to a one-size-fits-all plan,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The bill advanced to select file on a 39-0 vote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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