LR 83 Overview
During the 2009 Session of the Nebraska Legislature, the Natural Resources Committee and four other senators introduced Interim Study Resolution, LR 83. The purpose of LR 83 will be to study issues relating to expanded development of wind energy in Nebraska, while preserving the ability of the state’s unique public power system to continue serving the state with low-cost, reliable electricity. As a starting point of reference, based on U.S. Department of Energy findings, the study will initially assume that a total of 7,800 megawatts of wind power would be consumed in or exported from Nebraska by 2030.
The Task Force is comprised of the eight state senators who comprise the Natural Resources Committee. Ten technical groups, chaired by Nebraska electric utility representatives appointed by the committee, will provide technical expertise and advice. An advisory group of interested individuals will review, advise, and make recommendations to the various technical groups.
The issues to be considered under LR 83 have been divided into ten areas with each technical group assigned one topic. The topics are:
- Role of Public Power Utilities and Private Developers (includes technology and integration)
- Land Use/Sighting Leases and Contracts/Eminent Domain
- Land Use/Real Estate/Transmission Needs
- Role of Power Review Board
- Land Use/Environmental (includes renewable standards)
- Transmission Planning, Constructing, Operating and Financing (includes exportation and integration)
- Generation Planning, Constructing, Operating and Financing
- Financial Benefits and Risks (includes taxes and incentives)
- Economic Development (includes green job market)
- Legislative Issues (includes federal level activity)
At the initial meeting of the Task Force held June 19, 2009, Nebraska Power Association representatives presented and discussed several white papers related to the study.
- White Paper #1 - The roles the state’s public power utilities and private developers play in the
generation of wind energy for consumption both in Nebraska and for export. - White Paper #2 -The role of the Nebraska Power Review Board in approving renewable generation and transmission projects.
- White Paper #3 - The current status of the eminent domain power of utilities and the policy changes, if any, that would be necessary for public and private wind energy development.
- White Paper #4 - The process for planning, constructing, operating, and financing generation and transmission facilities in the state and region and changes that may be required.
- White Paper #5 - The land use, including leases and contracts on public and private lands, and environmental impacts of developing wind energy, including transmission needs.
- White Paper #6 - The financial benefits and risks that will affect Nebraskans due to the expansion of wind energy for consumption and export and how the benefits could be maximized while at the same time minimizing the risks to ratepayers and taxpayers.
