Bill > LB503

This bill introduces a voluntary program for Nebraska counties to become "American energy friendly counties" by adopting more favorable regulations for renewable energy generation facilities. The bill defines several key terms, including electric energy storage resources, solar energy systems, and wind energy conversion systems, and provides a framework for counties to opt into this designation. Counties can choose to apply directly or submit the decision to a voter referendum. To qualify, counties must modify their zoning regulations to make renewable energy facility installation easier, including permitting such facilities by right, limiting sound and setback restrictions, removing height limitations, and streamlining permitting processes. As an incentive, owners of renewable energy facilities in these counties would pay a nameplate capacity tax at one and a half times the standard rate. The bill also creates an American Energy Friendly Counties Fund to provide grants to counties to help them update their regulations, with eligible expenses including consultant and attorney fees for regulatory changes. The goal is to support rural economic development, broaden the local tax base, and potentially reduce residents' property taxes by creating a more attractive environment for renewable energy infrastructure.

Budget and Finance

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58901