Sign the petition to OPPD: Close the North Omaha Coal Plant by 2026!
RSVP: Register to attend the Tuesday, Nov. 18 North Omaha Community Meeting re: OPPD
The North Omaha Coal Plant has polluted the air in our community for decades. While OPPD has promised to close it by 2026, the timeline has already been delayed multiple times. Now, with an upcoming fourth-quarter review on the plant’s conversion and key contracts set to be awarded, we must remind OPPD that North Omaha is watching and we expect them to keep their word.
North Omaha residents are feeling the health effects of pollution from the coal plant—and being left out of decisions about its future. In a new community survey, 131 people connected to North Omaha shared their concerns: unhealthy air, stalled environmental progress, and no voice in decisions.
2025 North Omaha Community Survey Results Report
Introduction
Between June and July 2025, 130 residents who live in or are connected to North Omaha completed our detailed survey about the North Omaha coal plant, from its environmental effects to OPPD’s community outreach (or lack thereof), to residents’ visions for a healthier neighborhood.
Their responses suggest that the community is experiencing environmental issues, perceives a lack of improvement or even a decline in environmental health, and feels largely unheard and unfairly treated in decisions affecting their environment and energy infrastructure.
Key Takeaways:
1. Prevalence of Environmental Concerns, Especially Odors and Air Quality
- A significant portion of residents who completed the survey are experiencing environmental problems, with “Bad smells” and “Smoke in the air” being the most frequently reported issues, often in combination. This indicates a strong concern about air quality and unpleasant odors in the neighborhood.
2. Negative or Stagnant Perception of Neighborhood Environmental Health
- A large majority of residents who completed the survey perceive their neighborhood’s environmental health as either stagnant (“Stayed the same”) or deteriorating (“Worse”).
3. Strong Perception of Unfair Treatment and Lack of Community Engagement
- An overwhelming majority of residents who completed the survey believe North Omaha has not been treated fairly when it comes to decisions about pollution, energy, or power plants. This strong sentiment of injustice is a critical finding.
Download a copy or view the full report below:
North Omaha Community Survey Results (Bold Nebraska) by hefflinger
OPPD has promised to transition the North Omaha plant away from coal. Board meetings in August and September could decide if that happens.
Time is of the essence. Over the next few months, we have the opportunity to hold OPPD accountable by showing them our community is united in wanting the plant closed on schedule.
Here’s how you can help:
- Sign the petition to the OPPD Board.
- Attend upcoming board meetings and speak up.
- Spread the word to family, friends, and neighbors so they can join the effort.
Together, we can ensure OPPD follows through on its commitment and puts the health of North Omaha first.
- Sign the petition to the OPPD board. (Add your own Comments on the form before you click to submit!)
- RSVP and attend the Tuesday, Nov. 18 North Omaha Community Meeting re: OPPD.
- Attend an Upcoming OPPD Board Meeting:
Date and time: Thursday, November 20 at 5 p.m.
(View OPPD board meeting schedule)
Location: Omaha-Douglas Civic Center, 2nd Floor Legislative Chamber, 1819 Farnam St.
Show up in person to voice your concerns during the meeting public comment period, or to show your support and solidarity with the North Omaha Community. You may also attend the hearing virtually, and make a public comment.
