The state of Nebraska is almost 77 thousand square acres, and 92% of that land is made up of farms and ranches. Nebraska is one of the top five states in the nation in agricultural output, and known especially for cattle and calves, hogs, corn, soybeans, and wheat. Almost two million people call Nebraska home.
As the climate crisis continues to escalate and average temperatures in Nebraska continue to rise, the state will face an increase in extreme heat, drought, and flooding. Currently, Nebraska sees an average of 15 days considered dangerously hot per year, but that number could rise to 40 by 2050. More than 45 thousand Nebraskans are considered to be especially vulnerable to extreme heat. Extreme heat increases the demand for water while simultaneously diminishing its availability by evaporating the water from soil. States at risk, of which Nebraska is one, predicts a 70% increase in threat from widespread summer drought by 2050, which will put exorbitant demands on irrigation systems. Livestock are also vulnerable to extreme heat, and so consequently is the economy which depends on them. Even while droughts increase, floods are expected to do so as well. The Great Plains has seen an increase in severe rainstorms over the past 50 years and river levels are rising during floods, particularly in Eastern Nebraska.
Nebraska ranks second in the nation for ethanol production and capacity, producing about 14% of the country’s ethanol. While Nebraska continues to heavily burn coal—the fossil fuel accounting for over 50% of Nebraska’s net electricity generation — the state barely relies on natural gas and is, instead, expanding cleaner energy. 20% of Nebraska’s electricity comes from wind power and 19% comes from nuclear. Nebraska is investing in developing additional renewable resources — with two large wind farms joining the energy mix in 2020.
That said, Nebraska has not enacted a renewable energy standard. Legislators have resisted implementing policy that would help the state prepare for the coming climate challenges and the state lacks an adaptation plan. Senator Patty Pansing Brooks has introduced a measure — that calls upon the University of Nebraska Officials to develop a plan for adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change — to be submitted in December of 2020. This plan would aim gaining an understanding of Nebraska’s current emissions and set goals for reducing them, as well as providing estimates on economic implications of climate change for the state’s economy and relevant recommendations.
By Josh Ewing 08/09/22
Last week, my family’s ranch — which we have owned for five generations — and the home my grandfather built were utterly destroyed in a wildfire that claimed two other homes and more than 15,000…
By Adam Wilson 06/08/22
The Southwest Power Pool (SPP) territory is located right in the center of the continental U.S. and is home to some of the strongest average wind speeds in the country. This, combined with generally flat,…
By Erin Bamer 03/22/22
Lincoln student Alex Hamric pleaded with Nebraska lawmakers to, at a minimum, recognize the impacts of climate change, but the 14-year-old was doubtful that his words would hold any weight.
03/21/22
Located in Wayne County, Nebraska, Haystack Wind utilizes existing interconnection infrastructure in Southwest Power Pool (SPP) North from Ørsted's 230 MW onshore wind farm Plum Creek Wind, located nearby. Between the two projects, Ørsted has…
By Nancy Gaarder 03/17/22
From the polar vortex to wildfires and flooding, Nebraska residents got another taste in 2021 of the potent consequences of the state’s naturally extreme weather in a climate-changed world. Indeed, the year was bookended by…
By John Matson 03/03/22
Nebraska turned more than a few heads recently when public officials there adopted net-zero carbon goals across the electricity sector. After all, clean energy has often been framed as a partisan issue, and solidly Republican…
By Richard Bowers 02/01/22
As of the end of 2021, 31 states and the District of Columbia had renewable portfolio standards (RPS) or clean energy standards (CES). These polices require electricity suppliers to supply a set share of their…
By Chris Dunker 01/22/22
The question, according to Martha Shulski, Nebraska's state climatologist, isn't whether climate change caused the wild weather on Wednesday. Rather, Shulski said the question is: "How much worse was it made by climate change?"
By Zoya Teirstein 12/10/21
Nebraska is a reliably red state. The last time Nebraskans backed a Democrat in a presidential election was 1964. Former president Donald Trump won the state in 2016 by a double-digit margin. So it’s no…
By Nolan Dorn 12/07/21
The Acting Nebraska State Director for USDA Rural Development Kim Martini announced on Tuesday that $3 million worth of department funds will be awarded to the state. “These funds will help local communities better prepare…
By Chris Swaim 11/23/21
Climate change is not about seeing one warm winter, it is about a bigger picture. To see evidence of climate change, we have to look for changes in our winter averages over multiple decades.
By Isabella Basco 11/17/21
On Tuesday, Lincoln and Omaha's city councils banded together for a joint summit — giving city leaders the opportunity to bounce ideas off each other and tackle key issues like climate action, affordable housing and…
PLANS TO ACCELERATE RENEWABLES
By Adam Wilson 06/08/22
The Southwest Power Pool (SPP) territory is located right in the center of the continental U.S. and is home to some of the strongest average wind speeds in the country. This, combined with generally flat,…
03/29/22
Electric buses will be on the streets of Omaha starting this week. Metro Transit announced three new fully-electric buses will make their debut this week. Metro says the buses are the first all-electric buses in…
03/22/22
Construction on the largest solar energy project in the state of Nebraska is approaching the finish line. Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning said when completed, the city’s solar farm will have more than 25,000 panels in…
03/21/22
The project is Orsted's first onshore project using 5MW Siemens Gamesa turbines and brings the company's US onshore wind and solar capacity in operation to over 3GW.
02/21/22
New technology is being tested that proponents say could make nuclear power plants safer, more flexible and more affordable than traditional nuclear plants. Additionally, state and federal governments are reworking regulations and incentives to encourage…
By Richard Bowers 02/01/22
As of the end of 2021, 31 states and the District of Columbia had renewable portfolio standards (RPS) or clean energy standards (CES). These polices require electricity suppliers to supply a set share of their…
02/01/22
As of the end of 2021, 31 states and the District of Columbia had renewable portfolio standards (RPS) or clean energy standards (CES). These policies require electricity suppliers to supply a set share of their…
By Zoya Teirstein 12/10/21
Nebraska is a reliably red state. The last time Nebraskans backed a Democrat in a presidential election was 1964. Former president Donald Trump won the state in 2016 by a double-digit margin. So it’s no…
04/16/20
The University of Nebraska at Omaha has developed substantial capacity in academics, operations, and outreach relevant to sustainability without any central coordination, and has the opportunity to do much more. Progress in this area enhances…
04/16/20
State energy plans (SEPs) are developed in order to provide guidance for meeting current and future energy needs sustainably, reliably, and cost-effectively. While the motivations for developing a SEP are likely to vary across states,…
04/16/20
An Undergraduate Thesis Proposal Climate Action Plan Framework for University of Nebraska - Lincoln
04/16/20
This submission reflects this organization's contribution to the climate effort, representative of their current actions and commitments as well as the ways in which they intend to step up and collaborate with others.
10/22/21
Located in the center of the continental United States, Nebraska is a Plains state with rolling hills that include about 20,000 square miles of ancient sand dunes beneath the prairie grasses. Those sandhills cover more…
09/10/21
The searchable Energy Storage Legislation Database displays information in interactive maps and charts, tracking state activity from 2017 to the present.
09/01/21
The National Conference of State Legislatures tracks environment and natural resources bills that have been introduced in the 50 states, territories and Washington, D.C.
10/06/20
The First Street Foundation Flood Model represents the culmination of decades of research and development made possible by building upon existing knowledge and frameworks regularly referenced in the identification of flood risk.
09/19/20
Between 2017 and 2019, Nebraska experienced two severe floods and six severe storms. The damages of these events led to losses of at least $1 billion.
07/31/20
Nebraska’s climate is already changing. In the past century, most of the state has warmed by at least one degree Fahrenheit. Rainstorms are becoming more intense, and annual rainfall is increasing. In the future, Nebraska…
04/16/20
Many in the conservation community believe that climate change will be the greatest challenge to conserving biological diversity in the coming decades. Climate change is already having significant impacts on wild species and ecosystems, and…
04/16/20
Climate change poses significant risks to Nebraska’s economy, environment and citizens. There is a need for unbiased sources of information on the issue across the state.
04/16/20
Explore graphics, interactives and news about Nebraska's climate threats.
04/16/20
Nebraskans for Solar (NFS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in January 2012. We work with allied nonprofits and agencies, schools, businesses and individuals to advance renewable energy in our state and to raise awareness…
04/16/20
A BILL FOR AN ACT relating to climate; to provide duties for the University of Nebraska; to transfer funds; to require reports.
By Associated Press 11/05/21
Omaha plans to join hundreds of other U.S. cities by trying to come up with strategies to combat climate change. While the Nebraska Legislature has rejected calls for a statewide plan, Omaha will lead a…
By Henry Fountain 09/16/21
After a summer of blistering heat across much of the country, the hotter-than-normal conditions that have contributed to severe drought across the West are forecast to continue into the fall, scientists with the National Oceanic…
By Maragaret Reist 09/12/21
Achange in Lancaster County’s zoning laws will now allow a company planning the state’s largest solar farm east of Lincoln to apply for a special permit to expand its footprint farther east.
By Staff Reporter 09/11/21
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has accepted offers for more than 2.5 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners for enrollment through this year’s Grassland Conservation Reserve Program signup, the agency said in a…
By Alan J. Richard 09/10/21
This is a story of victory for the earth and of the end of the Keystone XL pipeline. It also involves the Dakota Access pipeline and the Standing Rock Lakota reservation, indeed the entire world,…
By Fred Knapp 09/03/21
Big plans are being proposed to capture carbon dioxide from ethanol plants in Nebraska and pipe it away for storage. Supporters say that’ll help fight climate change, but critics say it’ll just postpone long-range solutions.
By Jael Pembrick 09/01/21
This is in response to the company’s rapid growth who has its headquarters and Olive Creek production facility in Lincoln.
By Ryan Evans 08/28/21
The majority of Nebraska farms with more than 1,000 acres of cropland utilized at least one of the regenerative cropping practices of planting cover crops, no-till and reduced tillage between 2012 and 2017, according to…
By David Sherfinski 08/25/21
Climate change is fueling conditions for more rapid growth of wildfires in the western United States - including in some places, from Oklahoma to Nebraska, that may not expect them, researchers said Wednesday.
By Hannah Michelle Bussa 08/19/21
On August 7, flash floods hit Omaha, catching national attention and damaging businesses, cars, homes and the sewers in some parts of the city.
By Madison Pitsch 08/10/21
The United Nations sounded the alarm on climate change Thursday, following a new report they called “a code red for humanity.”
By Nicole Weaving 08/09/21
The Biden administration is taking a new step to fight climate change with an executive order aimed at making half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 electric.
By Jose Zozaya 07/10/21
Take a drive along Highway 75, heading north past Tekamah, you will most likely see green spaces from any angle, punctuated by farmland and homes.
By Russell Schaffer 06/24/21
“Success isn’t always choosing to install solar,” he said. “Success is doing a good analysis of the resources to make the best decision.”
By Alex Whitney 05/19/21
Considering some of the resolutions introduced in this session Nebraska's supposedly non-partisan legislature is definitely playing a lot of politics as two competing resolutions look to set Nebraska's stance on a litany of hot button…
By Robert Pore 05/16/21
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors voted recently to join the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance. The group consists of organizations representing a cross-section of farmers, ranchers, forest owners, the food sector, state governments…
By Jennifer Jacquet 05/15/21
Companies have spent millions to downplay the links between animal agriculture and climate change
By Nathaniel Scharping 05/13/21
Growing up in rural Iowa in the 1990s, Isaac Larsen remembers a unique herald of springtime. The snowbanks piled along roads, once white or gray, would turn black. The culprit was windblown dust, stirred from…
By Josh Israel 05/07/21
Nebraska's governor is so worried that people might eat vegetable proteins that he is endorsing a special "passport" for enthusiastic beef eaters. Republican Pete Ricketts announced Wednesday that, in partnership with the Nebraska Beef Council,…
By Jody Heemstra 04/30/21
The US Department of Agriculture is investing $330 million in 85 locally driven, public-private partnerships to address climate change, improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural…
By Steve White 04/28/21
Opposition grows to Pres. Biden's climate change agenda as Nance County votes to oppose what some see as a "land grab", a claim the ag secretary rejects. The concern is that the White House is…
By Robert Pore 04/25/21
Sen. Deb Fischer, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has reported her committee advanced the Growing Climate Solutions Act. Fischer is an original cosponsor. The bill would create a certification program at the U.S.…
By Chris Clayton 04/21/21
In an effort to increase carbon sequestration and conservation land, USDA on Wednesday announced plans to sign up as many as 4 million acres to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and increase rental rates, looking…
By Matthew Daly 03/19/21
For the first time, a federal energy board is weighing how a proposed natural gas pipeline would affect greenhouse gas emissions, one of several steps taken this week by the Biden administration in its effort…
By Henry Cordes 02/23/21
Omaha labor leader Terry Moore was grieving the sudden death of his 47-year-old-son from a heart attack in 2016 when his cellphone rang. It was then-Vice President Joe Biden. And for 30 minutes, the man…
By Rick Ruggles 02/16/21
Kat Woerner found it amazing in the fall of 2019 when students interrupted the Harvard-Yale football game to demand that their schools divest from oil, gas and coal companies. Woerner and some of her climate…
By Christopher Burbach 01/24/21
When word began circulating last week that Bill Gates is now the largest private owner of U.S. farmland, including more than 20,000 acres in Nebraska, Saunders County Attorney Rhonda Andresen was naturally curious. Where in…
01/23/21
The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska is joining the list of groups applauding President Joe Biden for canceling the Keystone XL Oil Pipeline on Wednesday. Tribal Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan saying in a statement that the tribe…
By Carey Gillam 01/10/21
Situation in Mead, Nebraska, where AltEn has been processing seed coated with fungicides and insecticides, is a warning sign, experts say
By Paul Hammel 01/05/21
Up to $1.2 billion in new wind and solar energy projects could be spurred by an agreement to provide 100% renewable energy for a proposed carbon black/anhydrous ammonia plant near Hallam, officials said Monday.
By Nancy Gaarder 01/04/21
The sharp swing from one of Nebraska’s wettest years on record to widespread drought dominated the weather headlines in 2020. Through November, Nebraska was in the midst of its 15th driest year out of 126,…
By The Associated Press 01/04/21
Monolith Materials and Nebraska Public Power District plan to cooperate on renewable energy project that could be one of the largest in the state's history, officials said Monday. Monolith said it has signed a letter…
12/28/20
The growth of renewable energy in Nebraska has situated the state as a leader in America’s growing clean energy industry. Wind and solar energy are increasingly offering the type of economic development in which the…
By Dan Gearino 12/03/20
Lincoln Electric System is the second large utility in Nebraska to approve a net-zero emissions goal, as the state reaps the benefits of wind power.
By Matt Olberding 11/08/20
When people think of alternative or renewable energy in Nebraska, wind and ethanol are usually the two sources that most readily come to mind. But new research shows that the state's biggest potential may be…
By Celeste Kenworthy 11/05/20
Fifty-five years ago, Jim Goeke hated the state of Nebraska. While the veteran hydrogeologist was on a football scholarship at Wisconsin in the mid-60s, his team lost 30-0 to Nebraska one year and 33-0 the…
By Carly Jahn 10/20/20
Divest NU predicts the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska system at large will soon divest from the fossil fuel industry.Divest NU is a coalition of students advocating for the NU system to…
By Melanie Standiford 10/18/20
They may not be your grandfather’s windmills, but they are your grandchildren’s. Should wind turbines grace the skylines of Nebraska? Who gets to decide? The subject of wind in the Sandhills being used for energy…
By Becca Costello 10/12/20
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry and State Sen. Kate Bolz agree that climate change is a serious threat, but disagree on the best way to address it. The candidates for the First Congressional District met in a…
By Karen Uhlenhuth 10/08/20
Nebraska’s second-largest utility last fall embarked on an initiative, dubbed Power with Purpose, that company leaders say will hasten the utility’s shift away from fossil fuels. However, fast-moving plans to develop two new natural gas…
By Nancy Gaarder 10/02/20
he Keystone XL pipeline didn’t make sense some 10 years ago, and it makes even less sense today, one person after another told the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during a virtual public hearing Thursday.…
By Sarah Kennedy 10/02/20
None of the 34 ski resorts owned by Vail are in Nebraska. But the company is investing in the state’s abundant wind power. Vail has committed to buying 310,000 megawatt-hours of energy from the new…
By Carlee koehler 09/28/20
As a graduate student in California, Jamilynn Poletto was part of a fish ambulance service of sorts. Hotter weather from climate change increased water evaporation, turning flowing streams into shallow ponds. Suddenly, stranded sturgeon were…
By Todd Henrichs 09/25/20
For this in-depth project examining the impact of climate change on Nebraska, the College of Journalism and Mass Communications opened the rigorous application process to all students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In the end,…
By Jerry Guenther 09/22/20
More details were shared Monday evening about the largest community solar project in the state as the Norfolk City Council approved a solar agreement between the city and NPPD. Steve Rames, city engineer, said at…
By Nancy Gaarder 09/21/20
From five miles away, Banner County Fire Chief Tim Grubbs could tell that the fire in western Nebraska’s Wildcat Hills would be trouble.Within 10 minutes of the fire being reported, the thin column of smoke…
By KHGI 09/05/20
The Trump Administration announced on Friday, Sep. 4, that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $776,960 to save and create energy in rural Nebraska.
By Andrew Lisa 08/23/20
Floods accounted for three of the 14 natural disasters that caused at least $1 billion in damage in the United States in 2019. In total, flooding impacted 14 million Americans last year and put another…
By Karen Uhlenhuth 08/19/20
The city of Norfolk, Nebraska, soon will celebrate its first solar farm — and the last one allowed under a contract with its electricity wholesaler.The 8.5-megawatt community solar project is being developed in partnership with…
By Michael Elizabeth Sakas 07/04/20
There might not be much skiing in Nebraska, but the Cornhusker state is helping Vail Resorts reach its 100 percent renewable electricity goal. Vail announced a partnership with energy company Ørsted in 2018, and committed…
