Accomplishments
- NDEE completed its Climate Pollution Reduction stakeholder workgroup sessions. More than 200 people participating in these meetings across five sectors: Transportation; Industry/Waste and Wastewater; Agriculture/Natural and Working Lands; Energy Production; and Buildings/Housing/Communities. The workgroup sessions developed ideas for greenhouse gas emissions to be included in the state’s Priority Climate Action Plan and Comprehensive Climate Action Plan. NDEE is planning to hold in-person public meetings throughout the state in January.
- The agency began accepting preliminary project proposals under the IIJA’s Grid Resiliency Grant Program. NDEE will assess pre-proposals for eligibility and alignment with program objectives. Prospective grantees may submit multiple pre-proposals, but may only submit one application during the official application period. NDEE has received $10.8 million for the Grid Resiliency Grant, which encompasses funding for years one and two of the five-year program. The agency expects to receive $5.4 million each year for the three additional years for a total award of $27 million.
- NDEE began offering free nitrate sample kits to private drinking water well owners on Nov. 29. Information from this sampling effort will provide information on nitrate levels in private wells for the statewide nitrate study NDEE is conducting. As of Jan. 9, more than 3,000 Nebraskans have requested the sample kits through December. NDEE has developed a flyer to provide guidance and help understanding sample results to those who have participated.
Miscellaneous
- NDEE is pausing work to assume the federal Clean Water Act Section 404 dredge and fill program. In the meantime, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will continue to carry out its duties to provide dredge and fill permitting services in Nebraska.
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