Natural Resources Committee holds abbreviated hearing on Jeff Kanger reappointment to Nebraska Environmental Trust Board

The Nebraska Legislature Natural Resources Committee held an abbreviated hearing on the reappointment of Jeff Kanger to the Nebraska Environmental Trust Board, asking him about recent changes to the trust’s grant process and outreach to new applicants.

Jeff Kanger, the nominee and president of First State Bank Nebraska, told the committee he is “a big believer in diversity within that applicant pool,” and said the board has seen an influx of first-time applicants after recent process changes. He said the board has worked to clarify eligibility and scoring and to increase public outreach, including listening sessions before the application cycle.

The exchange came after Senator Conrad raised concerns that recent grantmaking at the trust has become “hyper politicized” and moved away from…