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Legislature advances bill to merge natural‑resources and environment agencies despite stakeholder opposition
Summary
The Legislature voted to advance LB317, which merges the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environment and Energy into a new Department of Water, Energy and Environment. Supporters said the consolidation improves coordination; opponents said no cost savings were demonstrated and many stakeholders opposed the merger.
The Legislature advanced LB317, a governor‑backed proposal to merge the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Environment and Energy (formerly NDEE) into a new Department of Water, Energy and Environment.
Senator Tom Brandt, speaking for the bill, said the merger would centralize water, soil health and permitting efforts under a single agency and improve outreach and the permitting process. “This merger represents a strategic step forward for Nebraska,” Brandt said in his opening remarks.
Opponent…
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