The Nebraska Legislature’s next session begins in January 2026. Here are three new bills with potential environmental impacts that could come before the legislature in this session:

• LR158 will conduct an interim study to determine the feasibility of the State of Nebraska assuming the administration of the designated Wild and Scenic River stretch of the Niobrara River from Valentine to Newport, Nebraska.  A public hearing scheduled for Sept. 19, 2025, was canceled. Senator Storer, the resolution sponsor, is currently working with the Natural Resources Committee on next steps.
• LR234 (introduced by Senator Jared Storm, District 23) proposes an interim study to examine the impact of the net-zero plans and goals of public power utilities.
• LR235 (introduced by Senator Dave Wordekemper, District 15) proposes an interim study to examine the approval process, personnel involved, and costs associated with controlled burn permits.