In 2011, we built a lean mean force of pipeline fighters and Sandhills lovers who were opposed to TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline. But opposing destructive, dirty energy like the Keystone XL is only one step. We also need to invest in clean, renewable and homegrown energy that will grow Nebraska's economy and support our local communities.
For a quick primer on how to use this guide and other issues we're working on, check out our 2012 Bill Roundup. If you can't make it to bill hearings, you can watch online by just clicking the hearing room number in the list next to the video.
LB 756--"Siting Pipeline with Transparency" SUPPORT
Avery's bill would require that the Public Service Commission not withold any documents from the public (with a few exceptions) during the pipeline siting process. This is a great sunshine bill.
Status: Referred to Natural Resources Committee, hearing February 22nd at 1:30pm in Room 1525
Action: Send in your comments to the Natural Resources Committee before the hearing, then join us on February 22nd at the Capitol
LB 845--"More Reclamation Protection" SUPPORT
Sen. Sullivan's bill tightens up the 2011 Oil Pipeline Reclamation Act which she introduced and pushed through the legislative process. It further states that the site will be returned as close as possible to as it was before the pipeline was laid.
Status: Hearing was February 16th, Sullivan has made it her priority bill which means it will likely go to the floor for debate
Action: Contact the Natural Resources Committee to let them know you support pipeline companies restoring our land
LB 885--"Green Government Buildings" SUPPORT
This bill from Sen. Ken Haar would ensure state government buildings do energy star assessments.
Status: Hearing was January 26th
Action: Contact the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee to let them know you want to know how green or government buildings are
Other Groups: Nebraska Sierra Club
LB 1025--"Clean the PSC" SUPPORT
Sen. Avery’s bill would ban members of the Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities in Nebraska, from accepting campaign contributions from entities they regulate. Imagine, now that they regulate oil pipeline companies, if PSC members took campaign money from TransCananda. Avery's bill ensures that PSC members aren't beholden to the industries they are supposed to regulate and oversee.
Status: Hearing was February 9th
Action: Contact the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee to let them know you support a PSC that isn't paid for by the industries they regulate
Other Groups: Common Cause of Nebraska
LB 1044--"PSC Creates Pipeline Rules" SUPPORT
Under Haar's bill, the Public Service Commission would be able to hire pipeline safety inspectors to enforce federal law. Having state-hired inspectors that report to a state agency gives us more local control. Thanks to current law, the Feds pick up 80% of the cost through this partnership program.
Status: Referred to Natural Resources Committee, hearing February 22nd at 1:30pm in Room 1525
Action: Send in your comments to the Natural Resources Committee before the hearing, then join us on February 22nd at the Capitol
LB 1134--"Restrict Eminent Domain Threats" SUPPORT
It's no secret that some corporations--TransCanada--like to threaten landowners with eminent domain, before they even have all their permits in place. Avery's bill would make it a crime for entities to threaten eminent domain without actually having that power.
Status: Hearing was February 15th, the Judiciary Committee indicated they will do an interim study on the issue instead of advancing the bill
Action: We'll keep an eye on an interim study and make sure landowners are involved
LB 1161--"Another Free Pass for TransCanada" OPPOSE
Sen. Jim Smith, TransCanada's biggest cheerleader in the Unicameral, is trying to make sure they get another free pass. Smith's introduced a placeholder bill for Keystone XL that keeps its route review under DEQ instead of diverting to the Public Service Commission like it should under our new pipeline laws.
Status: Hearing was February 16th, Smith has made this his priority bill
Action: Contact the Natural Resources Committee and tell them you do not support any movement on Smith's bill. We're done giving TransCanada free passes.
